As the month of March unfolds we are approaching the one year anniversary of Covid being declared a global pandemic. So much has happened in the past year and yet so much has not happened either. The way in which we go about our daily living and interaction with other people has changed significantly. We have experienced levels of higher anxiety and uncertainty because of Covid. In addition, we recognize the financial difficulties that have challenged us and the political differences which have created conflict and chaos. It leaves us begging to ask the question, “will there ever be peace again in 2021?”
When we look to the world for peace, we will always come away disappointed. How many times have you heard someone declare their one wish for humankind and say, “world peace?” It is important for us to realize that sin and peace cannot co-exist. Allow me to redirect our focus and attention to the one who sustains us and gives us everlasting peace. It is Jesus who said,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “ John 14:27
Take a look with me for a moment at the Hebrew word Jesus uses for peace which is Shalom. At the heart of the definition of this Hebrew word is the thought of harmony & wholeness with God and with one another. Sin is the opposite of this definition. When we talk about sin we focus on the brokenness of our relationship with God. We can look at the chaos that sin has caused in our lives, and in humanity from a historical perspective. As long as sin is present in the world there will never be harmony and there will never be world peace.
But once again Jesus is not just talking about outward peacefulness but He is directing our attention to the inner peace within. Most fundamentally, Shalom means reconciliation with God. God can give us peace with Himself or remove it. “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants.” Psalm 85:8 God gives perfect peace or Shalom. God gives us as the hymnwriter so eloquently penned the ability to say , “ Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul !”
I began the year by challenging you to “Be The One in 20201.” Be the one to take the next step in your faith in God. Be the one to grow in full devotion. Be the one to embrace someone else and be a difference maker in their life. Over the course of February, I invited you to go on the journey of the love challenge and we examined the importance of loving one another. I hope that was as fulfilling for you as it was for me. Now, I invite you to be the one to embrace peace during the month of March. To discover what God actually promises we will receive when we look to Him. Take some time to really dive into the words of the great hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” Examine the verses, study the theology embedded in those words and together we will be able to say with confidence, “it is well with my soul. Join us in-person or online on Sunday mornings at 11am as we take a deeper look at Shalom.
Moments of peace are precious. When we find them in this world let us hold on tight and pray they last. But let us also discover a peace that goes beyond our understanding—beyond the pain and fear we face today. If you've been missing peace lately, come discover it with us and learn to once again say, “It is well with my soul.”
Peace, Pastor Kevin
