Johnnie's blog

Humans apparently have several basic needs. Food, security, shelter and warmth feature among them. The Bible tells us that peace is one of them also. The Aaronic blessing (Num 6:24-26) promises peace, (The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace). And I Corinthians 7:15 tells us “God has called us to live in peace”.

Peace is the most basic commodity for our society to own, for our politicians to forge, and for all of us to host in our hearts. Not least the believer. It arrives as guilt departs. It leaves immediately sin enters our lives. Now, since we all do wrong (I John 1:10) we need to keep short accounts with God. I love the sense of cleansing that comes as I confess sin daily. And it is worth saying that the longer I am a Christian, the more sensitive to sin I become.

Has your peace gone? If it has, you can’t function in the kingdom. Let me ask you when you last confessed your sin in detail to your Father? Maybe you don’t want to confess because you are holding on to a secret, cherished sin. In which case Psalm 66:18 tells us that while you cherish this sin, God will not hear you.

Now Jesus is the King of peace (that’s what King of Salem means – Hebrews 7:2) and His speciality is to give us kingdom rights to swap all sorts of weights for peace (eg anxiety – Philippians 4:6&7). He tells us to be at peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14) but I am sure this can only happen when it starts on the inside.

God’s order is that we lay hold of peace. After that we gain joy as we overcome, then we love as we persevere. Only after that will the power flow. So how is it with you? Is the peace there? Because if not, you can lay hold of it today.

Shalom!