Don’t you love homonyms – words that sound the same but are spelt differently and have different meanings? They are not particularly fun when they are written, but they can cause all sorts of humorous misunderstandings when spoken. When I was a child, I thought God’s “presence” were the gifts he gave to good little boys and girls. I remember someone once saying that as a child they thought God’s name was Howard, because of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father who art in heaven, Howard be Thy name.” 

One commonly misheard and misunderstood homonymic word is the word peace. Like in “the peace of God”. Whenever I hear someone talking about God’s piece, I want to say, “which piece”? Or perhaps to see him wearing a toupee. Yep, that’s the ‘piece’ of God all right. 

So, when we speak of “peace” what do we mean? The simplest and most common definition is that peace is the “absence of conflict”. But is that all peace is? Honestly, that doesn’t really satisfy me. It feels like there’s something missing. I need to dig deeper into this idea of peace. I want to know more about having peace with God and finding peace in an anxious, uncertain world. So, let’s start with definitions from . . . The Shorter Oxford Dictionary: 

Peace is:  

• A state of tranquility or quiet.  

• Freedom from disturbance, quarrels, or dissention.  

• Freedom from mental or spiritual conflict arising from passion or a sense of guilt.  

• Concord or amity between individuals or governments. 

When I look at that list it’s not surprising that establishing and maintaining a sense of peace often feels almost impossible. Psychologists say there has been a “dramatic spike” in the number of people who suffer with anxiety disorders in recent years, not to mention the last couple of months! 

It makes me wonder whether it is possible to have any sense of personal peace in the world. How might we find calm contentment to replace conflict, worry and fear? 

In the Bible, the Hebrew word for peace is “shalom”. Shalom means not just peace as defined above but also completeness, wholeness, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony. It is more about a sense of inner contentment than about simply feeling happy. And that’s the sort of peace I want. Peace that makes me complete, content, free from inner conflict and guilt. How about you? 

After Jesus’ resurrection, his first word to his fearful disciples, as they huddled in the Upper Room, was “peace”. This was in fulfillment of what he promised them prior to his death: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.” (Jn.14:27). Jesus is very concerned that his disciples, and by extension all of us, have this peace, this shalom, from God. But how? 

Here are 5 ways God can fill us with his peace: 

1. THROUGH JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION 

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore shalom between himself and broken humanity. It overwhelms me to think of Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection that removes the remnants of my rebellion and makes me right with God. My past is completely forgiven. No sin too great. God’s amazing grace! 

2. THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT’S PRESENCE (NOT PRESENTS!) 

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, who would remind us of all God has done for us and all he promises for the future. 

3. THROUGH TIME IN PRAYER AND GOD’S WORD 

That’s one of the purposes of worship. It takes our focus off our struggles and circumstances, if just for a few moments, and replaces them with God’s promises of hope that bring us peace. 

4. THROUGH PEACE-MAKERS & PEACE-MAKING 

In the book of Proverbs, it says: “Perfume and incense make you feel good, and so does good advice from a friend.” (Proverbs 27:9). God brings people into our lives like good medicine to heal and strengthen and care. They strengthen our spirits and soothe our souls. God also uses us to do the same for others. 

5. THROUGH LIVING IN PEACE WITH GOD 

The Holy Spirit who dwells within us continues to teach and remind us of the ongoing need to recalibrate our lives from living at the mercy of life’s circumstances to living in the place of peace with God. This place of peace is what John of the Cross referred to as the Inner Wine Cellar. It is the place of safety and shalom, a place filled with the ‘spirits’ of deep joy and gladness of heart that remains despite our current anxieties or even our good fortunes. 

ONE LAST THING 

If someone else stepped into my life for a week would they find peace? 

Would they find my calendar too full? 

Would they find my relationships encouraging? 

Would they find order or cluttered chaos? 

Would they find evidence of God’s indescribable peace? 

Is my life set up for peace or are there things I need to change? Where do I need to get more intentional about making myself more available to the ways God wants to give me his peace? 

I’m hoping you’ll join me on this journey toward peace, toward shalom. As you do: 

“May the Lord bless you and keep you. 

May the Lord show you His kindness 

and have mercy on you. 

May the Lord watch over you 

   and give you peace.”    (Numbers 6:24–26)  

Blessings, Pastor Mark

Please note that on February 23, 2025 we held a closing and thanksgiving service at our Martin Luther worship centre in Altona North as we will no longer be holding regular worship services here. You can view the closing service at Martin Luther in the 2025 Archive of the Listen tab of the website, or on our YouTube channel.

You are most welcome to continue to join us at 9:30am, each, and every Sunday , for worship at our St Philips worship centre in Tarneit.