Still seeking peace with God? Consider reviewing the basics
By Dean Collins
I am guilty. I have often gone about finding peace in all the wrong ways. If I could somehow get family members, co-workers, or community colleagues to live without conflict, then I thought I could be at peace. Or if I could have the financial resources to eliminate stress about the future for myself or the nonprofit or business I’m leading, then I could have peace. Or if the kids and grandkids, the spouse, or the employees were all happy, then I could enjoy peace. Or if the right President, Congress, Senate, and Supreme Court are elected and appointed, then I will finally enjoy peace.
But all such strategies are flawed. Determining one’s peace by others’ responses—especially if I’m trying to manipulate them to act in a certain way—is impossible and unsustainable. My fantasy of creating a world filled with others’ reactions that will bring me peace is dysfunctional and self-centered.
From idolatry to faith
In fact, depending on externals for peace is worse than inadequate; it is idolatry. It is possibly what Paul was trying to explain to the Romans toward the end of the first chapter of his epistle. It is the act of one who thinks they are wise enough to fix what is tragically flawed. It is the belief of one who thinks their solutions will not only bring peace, but might also result in glory. Superheroes do get lots of glory in the movies and comic books. But I suspect we understand that superheroes are an enjoyable fantasy, but that’s all. Superheroes don’t exist, no matter how many ways and times we try to be or make one. Or even elect one.
Peace with God comes only one way according to the apostle Paul. He said it many different places as did the other early followers of Jesus. But the fifth chapter of Romans makes it simple and clear. We are justified by faith and therefore we have peace with God. Our faith gives us access to the grace of God and results in hope. But this hope is not a wishful thinking kind of hope. It is a confidence that reveals God’s glory and allows us to survive suffering which produces endurance and character leading to hope that never ends in shame. This hope is possible because God’s love pours into us through the Holy Spirit.
From faith to transformation
God sent Jesus to meet our need perfectly. Try as we might to be good enough to earn justification, we actually receive it by faith. No matter what causes we championed in our lifetime, no matter how many good deeds we do, we find ourselves broken by sin. In our quiet, unobserved moments we know our weakness. And in that awareness we may meet the Savior. At our worst, God reveals his best gift to us. It is then that we realize what perfect and unselfish love looks and acts like. And because his blood was shed for us we never have to experience his wrath.
Because we have been reconciled to God through Jesus, we can stand in hope and and live joyfully with peace. Yes, because of the brokenness around us there will still be times of suffering. And we can rejoice, not because of the suffering, but through the suffering. As we do, God gives us endurance and shapes our character in ways that result in glorious hope. Hope not in our of self but based on the love of Christ.
Jesus didn’t say blessed are those who seek peace in their lives. The blessing falls on those who seek peace from the Prince of peace, those who have opened their hearts to Jesus and are therefore sons and daughters of God. And as children of the King justified by faith, we have lives transformed by the grace of God and filled with hope.
Your time with God’s Word
Romans 1:22-25; 5:1-11 ESV
Photos by Jonathan Meyer on Unsplash
