A Magnolia's Heart Beats

Thankful Thursday - Peace

Jesus knew a thing or two about peace. After all, as we see in Isaiah 9, one of His names is Prince of Peace.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Sometimes I need to be reminded to slow down and be still. I have been sick since June and it seems I am always running toward recovery. I think if I take that extra step I will become well again. It doesn't work that way and I end up stressed because of it.

"Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeth you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." ~ John 14:27

Jesus gave us peace. The Greek word for peace is eirēnē. It means:

1) a state of national tranquillity
a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4) of the Messiah's peace
a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

I love these definitions, because they offer such comfort to me and remind me what true peace is. It exasperation at being on eight different medications, it isn't fighting a massive case of writer's block, and it certainly isn't looking elsewhere for my peace.

The peace I have was given to me by Jesus.

The Greek word for give is didōmi. Scroll down through the definitions.

1) to give
2) to give something to someone
a) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1) to bestow a gift
b) to grant, give to one asking, let have
c) to supply, furnish, necessary things
d) to give over, deliver
1) to reach out, extend, present
2) of a writing
3) to give over to one's care, intrust, commit
a) something to be administered
b) to give or commit to some one something to be religiously observed
e) to give what is due or obligatory, to pay: wages or reward
f) to furnish, endue
3) to give
a) to cause, profuse, give forth from one's self
1) to give, hand out lots
b) to appoint to an office
c) to cause to come forth, i.e. as the sea, death and Hell are said to give up the dead who have been engulfed or received by them
c) to give one to someone as his own
1) as an object of his saving care
2) to give one to someone, to follow him as a leader and master
3) to give one to someone to care for his interests
4) to give one to someone to whom he already belonged, to return
4) to grant or permit one
a) to commission

The precious gift of peace was something Jesus gifted us with. It would be such a shame not to accept it and use it.

This week I am so thankful for peace and for our host, Lynn. Her post and her hosting really ministered to me.

P - Prepare your heart and soul for peace by staying focused on Christ and not the world. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." ~ Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

E - Expect good results from the gift of peace. "Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeth you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." ~ John 14:27

A - Aim for peace in your life. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." ~ Romans 14:19 (NIV)

C - Call on the Lord when you need peace. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." ~ Romans 15:13 (NIV)

E - Enjoy the benefits of peace. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

What are you thankful for this week? Visit Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage and link up and share.