Peace In Times of Adversities

by: Carol Donaal

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.”

Meriam Webster defines peace at the state of calmness and quietness; and the absence of war and strife. Currently, it seems to be impossible to have peace within us especially now that we are fighting war against the COVID-19 virus. Throughout history we have heard of the many effects of war and strife. Even in the beginning, we know the truth about inner strife which caused Adam to disobey his Creator-God. 

Commentaries say that peace is not part of human nature since it was lost during the fall of man through one man that is Adam. Instead, peace is God’s gift to humanity through one man and that is in the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice-the offering that paved the way in order that each of us will be reconciled back to God and have the peace and rest that our souls yearn for.

In the Philippines, election is nearing and we can already hear many pretentious promises of peace and prosperity and such. But the book of truth will tell us that there is a promise of peace that this world cannot offer. It is however, offered by Christ alone and is the kind of peace that surpasses beyond all understanding at the same time guards our hearts and minds in Him. This peace offering is being offered to us up to this day. In times of trials, tribulations or any circumstances we are facing today, may we accept, receive and enjoy the gift so that we will take heart and have peace in Christ alone. 

St. Augustine of Hippo also said in his book entitled “City of God” that peace is the perfectly ordered and harmonious enjoyment of God, and of one another in God.

Christ set before us an example. He modeled the real peace that the world cannot give. He also conveyed the message that peace can only be attained in God’s presence. It is the inner peace that the world cannot give. Peace that can be had even in the midst of adversities. In one of His journeys with his disciples, he commanded “peace, be still” to the storm, and there was stillness.
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Let us therefore find peace in God. As most people say, “It is not the absence of war but the presence of God.” Why fret for the future if our future is in the hands of the Almighty? Let us then speak peace to everyone, to our family members, and to all that we have.