August 29 Prayer

Peace is a topic that we talk a lot about in my home. With 5 strong-willed kids between the ages of 5 and 17 (and also 2 stubborn parents), peace often feels like a pipe dream – something that we hope and pray for but don’t often see come to pass. Add to that all the discord among people outside our homes – you know, people arguing about things like politics, identity, and race, and all that – and peace really seems like a destination too distant to reach.

But according to James 3:18, which says, “Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness,” peace is worth pursuing, even when it seems like an impossible goal to reach.

Peace is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a state of tranquility or quiet” or “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.”

Righteousness is defined by Merriam-Webster as “acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin.”

Using these definitions, we can restate James 3:18 to say, “Those who strive to create a state of tranqility or quiet are acting in accordance with God’s law and will be free from guilt and sin.” Knowing that we can be in alignment with God and free from guilt and shame ought to be enough to motivate us to strive for peace in all things.

But in case you need more convincing, consider these other verses linking peace and righteousness…

“And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17 

“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Psalms 119:165

“Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.” Isaiah 48:18

It’s obvious that there is a strong connection between obeying God (which leads to righteousness) and peace. When we trust God and His plan and want His will to be done, we feel at peace and it’s easier to live in accordance with His ways. And when we feel the peace that comes from living in accordance with His ways, we want to obey Him even more. It’s an amazing cycle that God has put into place to lovingly train us to listen to and follow Him.

When I think about these verses in the context of my crazy life, I can plainly see that the effort I have put into obeying God in things like, “train up a child in the way he should go” and “love your enemies” (even those who have different political or social beliefs than I do), have and will continue to lead to righteousness, and then to peace. It’s a beautiful reminder of a God who commands obedience out of a perfect love for us.

So, time to put the boots on the ground. Where in your life are you experiencing chaos and desiring peace? Have you considered that there’s something God wants you to do in this area but you haven’t met Him there?

Or have you consciously or subconsciously been stirring up strife instead of promoting peace in some area of your life, and therefore experiencing anxiety, stress, or a sin issue? 

My prayer for you today is that you will earnestly seek Him in this area, and that He will lovingly show you how you, too, can find peace through righteousness.

For more content like this:

• Bible verses about peace
• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace