Friday- Questions to Ponder
The definition for peace is not merely the absence of war. In the Old Testament “Shalom” the word we translate as “peace” is the idea of “comprehensive human flourishing”. This is peace that holds the idea of completeness, wholeness, harmony, security and well-being. Peace with God isn’t a knick-knack that you tuck away on a shelf and pull out and look at occasionally. It is something that transforms every part of your life.
It transforms how you make business decisions, the way you respond to tense relationships, the choices you make for your physical and spiritual life. This peace allows you to take risks because your success or failure doesn’t define you. There is no room for fear in God’s peace. Peace with God is like putting on a new pair of glasses and seeing this world and life in a totally new perspective. The Prince of Peace is come and we are members of His kingdom. This peace with God transforms Scrooges into Santas. So, here are some things to ask ourselves as we think about the Peace of God.
How does knowing God’s peace allow me to humbly ask for forgiveness in broken
relationships?
Where have I hesitated to take risks because I feared failure instead of believed that my security
rests in God?
Where do I feel alone and need to feel the peace and presence of God with me?
Where have I tried to attain “Wholeness” and “Peace” outside of Jesus?
If my Hope and Peace truly rested in God, what would change in my life?
Which aspect of Peace that we looked at this week do you need to cling to (God’s Presence,
Peace vanquishing Fear, Peace that Reconciles us to God, or having peace with God and being
released to bring God’s peace)?
“To the Church of God which is at (Lycoming Centre), to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Adapted from 1 Corinthians 1:2-3
Blessings, Hesed
I’ve really enjoyed this week of reflection and study on Peace. If you have any questions or comments I’d love to chat! Call me at 570-458-0646 or email me at hesedfourroux@gmail.com