Former M.V.C.W.C. - HERALD ARTICLE ARCHIVE

"Peace On Earth"
by Kelly Purvis

Shalom to you!

"O my Lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about?" Judges 6:13

Gideon cried unto the Lord. The power of the enemy had long prevailed against them, coming in like locusts, marauders bringing devastation. But, the Lord looked on and said to Gideon, "PEACE BE TO YOU, do not fear..." Even before the victory was won, Gideon built an altar to the Lord and named it JEHOVAH SHALOM- the Lord is Peace. Supernatural peace ~ despite devastating times.

"Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me" Psalm 55:17

This song of peace, like so many written by David, was inspired during a time of great calamity. It was written as a prayer for God's help when threatened by powerful conspiracy, turmoil and danger. Though the desire to run from problems is common, confidence in God allows us to face difficulties knowing Jehovah is able to sustain us and keep us in peace!

It's hard to imagine the life of David as "peaceful" isn't it? His 70 years were fraught with peril and lions and bears; with calamity and giants; with jeopardy, war and fear; and with crisis, rebellion and transgression. Much of his life was spent as a fugitive in flight or as a warrior in the midst of battle. YET, peace seemed to be one of his favorite things to sing/pray about.

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety."

Psalm 4:6 was written as a prayer for relief in a drought and a time when many were turning from the Lord to other gods. It is the presence of God that brings gladness and peace into any circumstance!

"The Lord will give strength to His people, The Lord will bless His people with peace"

Psalm 29:11 reveals God who controls storms is the God who restores peace.

"Seek peace and pursue it"

Psalm 34:14 was written when David was threatened by Achish. The Lord God is a mighty deliverer to those who fear Him and cry out to Him!

"The man of peace will have a posterity"

Psalm 37:37 is a wisdom song written for instruction. It reveals our powerful God laughing in the face of wicked plots. Though evil surrounds us, the Lord is faithful in justice, worthy of our trust!

"Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed"

Psalm 85:10 was sung as a communal prayer for God's mercies and favor in a time when His people are suffering distress. Our sovereign Lord, Adonai, is a restorer of what is good out of calamity. He is our revival!

"Praise the Lord... He makes your borders peace, He satisfies you with the finest wheat"

Psalm 147:14 was written during a time of arduous work with great opposition. However it was sung on a joyous occasion ~ the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. In the midst of battle, it is the Lord who controls the outcome in favor of His people who fear Him and hope in His mercy!

These ancient prayer/songs of peace... they express so well the yearnings of David's heart and ours... they allow expression to our frustrations, pain, and anguish. They lead us to our Creator, restore hope and renew faith. Through them, David shares with us the secret to true peace ~ found in the secret place of the Most High. He knew intimately and experientially the God of Peace Himself. Full trust in his Heavenly Father grew out of close relationship with Him. David truly experienced the peace of God found in the refuge beneath His wing, despite horrendous circumstances that always seemed to find him.

PEACE ~ Through our English language we've been taught a distorted view of what true peace is ~ taught that it is freedom from war or hostilities, freedom from strife or dissension, freedom of all mental commotion. However, it is obvious that true peace ~ SHALOM ~ is something more. Though Shalom does denote safety, well being, health, prosperity, favor, ease, and a state of harmonious relationships, it's effect encompasses more than external blessings. It manifests in a state of internal experience of the soul. It describes wholeness, completeness, and fullness, experienced not as an absence of hard circumstances but in the midst of them.

"And a red horse went out, and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth."

"Since we are looking for a new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells... Be diligent to be found by Him IN PEACE..."

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