PERFECT PEACE COMES FROM THE PRINCE OF PEACE

In the closing remarks of the second epistle that the apostle Paul wrote to the “church of the Thessalonians in God our Father the Lord Jesus Christ”, he wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thess. 3:16). In all of the trials, tribulations, disappointments and struggles in this life, children of God can find peace in our savior Jesus Christ who is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Edward J. Bickersteth, was on vacation in Harrogate, England and on one Sunday in August, 1875, he listened to a sermon by Canon Gibbon that was based on Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee. ” He was greatly impressed by the thoughts presented on this text. It was then that he took a piece of paper and began to write a poem that would become the moving and beautiful hymn, “Peace, Perfect Peace”. In this hymn, you will observe that in each stanza there is a challenge or a struggle presented for the believer; and, for each struggle, the author provides spiritual answers in the second half of each stanza. “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus—this is rest. Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found. Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne. It is enough; earth’s struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus call us to heav’ns perfect peace.” “There is no peace, Says my God, “For the wicked” (Isaiah 57:21). But, to His disciples Jesus gave these assuring words: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). The exhortation given by the apostle Paul as found in Philippians 4:6, 7, is also for “all the saints in Christ Jesus” today: “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” One fruit of the Spirit is “peace” (Galatians 5:22). To have this peace, one must be “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). Can you truly sing,”It is well, with my soul”, knowing you do not have this blessed peace which is to be found only in Jesus Christ? You are urged to give your life to Jesus in humble obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and trust in the Lord with all your heart, you will then have this perfect peace “which surpasses all understanding”.