Catherine Marshall in the book “Stories for the Heart,” provided a great illustration entitled “A Picture of Peace.” She tells the story of a king who once offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried, and the king looked at all the pictures. But in the end, there were only two that he liked, and he had to choose between them. 

One picture was of a calm and tranquil lake with white billowing clouds overhead, and the reflection off the lake provided a perfect mirror for the majestic snow-capped mountains in the background. Many thought that it was sure to be chosen by the king. 

The second picture had mountains too, but these were rugged and barren with a sky overhead that was dark and foreboding. Down the side of the mountain roared a waterfall. However, as the king looked more closely at the waterfall, he could see that there was a bush growing in a crack in the rock behind the waterfall. And upon closer examination, in that bush was a mother bird who had built her nest and was caring for her little chicks.  

It was the second painting that the king chose. Why? Because, he said, “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or toil, but peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be “at peace” in one’s soul.”

Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet predicted that the coming Messiah would be called, among other things, “…the Prince of peace” (Is. 9:7). Indeed, Jesus is called “The Prince of Peace” for several reasons. First, and most importantly, He is the only one who can forgive sin and bring us into a relationship with God. Paul writes, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Furthermore, Paul made it clear that reconciliation and peace with God are made possible only through the blood Jesus shed on the cross (Col. 1:20). This is the most important aspect of peace, as it has eternal consequences.

Secondly, Paul says that peace between alienated groups is now possible through Christ. Speaking of Jews and Gentiles, Paul says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off (Gentiles) have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace who made both groups into one and has broken down the barrier of the dividing wall between them…” (Eph. 2:13-14).

Finally, peace is also individual and practical. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid” (Jn. 14:27). Notice that internal peace comes from a Person, and that Person is Jesus. Notice also, it is not something that we can earn, but something that He gives to us, and in order for Him to give it to us, we simply need to ask for it. In fact, any spiritual blessing is ours for the asking. The problem lies in you and me being humble enough to ask for it. 

And when we ask for His peace, He gives us His Holy Spirit, and one of the “fruits” given to us by the Holy Spirit is “peace” (Gal. 5:22). Jesus also gives us the privilege of praying. Look at what Paul has to say about obtaining peace through prayer: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God, and the ‘peace of God,’ which surpasses all understanding will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7). Do you remember the song, “What a Friend we have in Jesus?” Let me remind you of the phrase in the song, “Oh what peace we often forfeit; Oh what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry; Everything to God in prayer.”

And so, the foundation of any peace we are to have comes from having peace with God through Jesus Christ. And then, we can experience His peace in the midst of the storms of life when we learn to pray and then “rest” in the peace He has already provided. 

But Jesus said that those who are “peacemakers” will be called “the sons of God.” And such a person is “uncommonly blessed.” We will focus on this in two weeks. See you then. God bless you.