Finding Peace

What is Peace?

There are many kinds of peace to understand. Peace within your body is the ability to overcome physical stress and pain. Peace of mind includes learning to master mental stress, anger, bitterness, letting go of grief, and other damaging emotions or thoughts. Peace with others is found within forgiveness, love, and patience. Peace that reaches the depths of one's soul only comes by bonding with God's Spirit. Having peace with God is in finding His righteousness within you. Having peace with God includes finding His Kingdom within you and living within it; now and forever.

Let's look at expanded definitions of peace based on the Greek and Hebrew words used in the Bible. The Hebrew word for peace is "shalom." I find it interesting that in Jewish culture "shalom" is used as the number one greeting; just as most of the English speaking world uses, "hello." To greet others with, "peace" is a pleasing way to remind us to focus on it. An expansion of this Hebrew word for peace would include: be safe, rest safely, be well, happy, friendly, healthy, prosperous, well, and whole. Other versions of the Hebrew word include "be one" and "quietness." Wow! Focus on that every time you greet someone or think of peace. Notice that peace includes joy and happiness. (see Happiness)

Can I Ever Find Peace?

Yes. Jesus said that the very same, complete peace He had within Himself, has been given to you. Will you learn to accept it within? Begin by believing what He said.

"Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you. Do not let you hearts be troubled, nor fearful." (John 14:27,NASB)

"let" means "allow." "Do not allow your heart to be troubled..." teaches you directly that a troubled heart/troubling emotions, and fear are your choice. Christ gave you power over them. You have these by choosing to allow them. Start learning to not allow them to have power over you; choose to practice focusing on faith, peace, joy, and the peace within Jesus Himself.

"These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NASB)

Here the word for peace also means: to join, (literally or figuratively); prosperity, one, peace, quietness, rest and re-set/restored to be at one again. The Greek meaning of "tribulation" is: "pressure (literally or figuratively): - affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." Jesus overcame all of life's pressures and stress for us; we have His power within us to choose and allow peace to dominate and make us whole/one/quiet and restore us.

Now may the God of hope/faith fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope/faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)