By Dr. Larry Banta
The search for real and lasting peace seems to be the pursuit of many and it can be costly. Some offer “inner peace” by relieving one of a great deal of money to meditate on nothingness. Others unsuccessfully pursue peace through alcohol or drugs, leaving their lives in shambles. Our world offers no real or lasting peace, only uncertainty, fear, and chaos.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Life in this world is subject to trials, storms, turmoil and all kinds of unexpected, unpleasant events. Similar to our own lives, the Sea of Galilea is known for unexpected storms. In Mark 4 35-41 we read that Jesus was in a boat with the disciples when suddenly a storm came up. It was severe, the waves were tossing them about. Overwhelmed with fear, the disciples awakened Jesus, who simply ordered the wind and the waves to calm down, then all was peaceful. With Jesus in their boat, the disciples could allay their fears with his powerful response.
Besides the chaos and fear in the world, we have created great divisions among people. One group or political party seems to hate the other. Serving as a medical missionary in rural Kenya some years ago, we worked with a tribe engaged in a centuries-long war with another tribe across the border in Uganda. Both tribes lived in fear of the other as there was constant revenge for what the other tribe carried out. We managed to develop a truce between the tribes to allow one tribe to cross into the territory of the other for treatment at the Christian hospital there. Some years later, members of both tribes were meeting under a tree for Bible study and prayer. In many places, former enemies are meeting together in the name of Christ, having found true peace through Him.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14)
We became enemies of God when Adam first sinned. We could no longer be in His presence. We were cursed with death, weeds, thorns and painful childbirth. We were separated from God. There was no peace between us. The temple demonstrated how separated we were from God. Only the Levites could be near the holy furnishings. Behind the altar only the priests could stand. Behind the altar was the “Most Holy Place,” where only the high priest could enter once per year on the day of atonement after extensive preparation. The temple veil separated everyone else from the “Most Holy Place” where the high priest was to be meet directly with God. It was about 8 inches thick, 42 feet tall, and made of heavy material. As Jesus was taking his last breaths on the cross, that thick veil was torn in two from top to bottom by the hand of God.
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” (Luke 23:45)
No longer separated by the veil we, as believers, can come directly to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice. This first step in finding peace in our lives was done by Jesus on our behalf. Carrying around our own guilt and shame from our violations of God’s law provides turmoil, lack of peace, uncertainty and fear in our own lives. Accepting Jesus by faith opens His grace to us.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)
In accepting Christ and obeying Him in baptism we then have the Holy Spirit who comes bearing a precious gift: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24)
Having started our journey with Christ, there is peace between us and God. We still live in a fallen world with all kinds of trouble and temptation. The chaos and uncertainty around us can provide a great deal of fear and worry. Fear can come from a lack of trust. We do not know what the day may bring so we worry. To have peace we must learn to trust and not be afraid. We need to have Jesus in our boat.
There are several verses that come to mind that are very helpful:
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Developing the habit of forgiveness can encourage the increase of peace. It goes four ways. I need to forgive those who have done something to offend me. I need to seek forgiveness from God for having done something to offend Him and seek forgiveness of others I have offended. Then I must also forgive myself. That is being humble enough to recognize that God’s power is sufficient to forgive me for whatever I might have done, if I truly repent, so I need not hold onto anger toward myself.
Maintaining thanksgiving produces a heart full of peace. If I forget to give thanks to God for His provision, I soon start believing I was responsible for the food, shelter, the material blessings, actually taking God’s place. By giving thanks I am restoring His place in my heart as the Provider of every good thing. Gratitude is humility allowing God to hear that we are truly grateful for His bountiful blessings.
Turning our attention from ourselves to our Most High God in praise and worship multiplies peace in our hearts. This is seeing God as He truly is: holy, magnificent, powerful, perfect. We must continually grow our sense of awe so that we rejoice with the psalmist: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2)
Trusting God with our fears, maintaining forgiveness, gratitude and sincere worship will restore and increase our peace so that we truly have the peace that passes understanding.
Is Jesus in your boat? Ask Him to calm the waves and give you true peace!
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Dr. Larry Banta is an author of several books, a retired psychiatrist, and a former missionary. He served in India, Mexico and Kenya. He and his wife, Evelyn, a counselor, travel together to provide consultation and training in various international locations.
