Things That Make for Peace

“If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:42)

It is so easy to miss out on peace. We get so caught up in circumstances and emotions that we forget to stay attached to Jesus and to enjoy the peace that comes from his presence. That happens to us as individuals all the time, I’m afraid. But it can also happen to a group of people or even a nation.

When Jesus came to Jerusalem during what we call his triumphal entry, he commented that peace was hidden from the city because they didn’t understand who was coming into their midst, carrying peace with him.

That day long ago could have changed the history of the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem forever. But they missed seeing peace that day. It was hidden from their eyes, according to Jesus. Instead of peace, within a generation Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jewish people dispersed around the world.

Missing peace had grave consequences. It still does!

I am convinced that when civil unrest breaks out in a nation, it is almost always a result of a failure to recognize the presence of Christ, who brings peace to the soul, and which then begins to filter into the culture. In the United States, as we have increasingly moved toward becoming a secular society, we can expect more and more unrest and violence, as the peace of Christ is held in less and less esteem and desire. As Jesus might say, “the things that make for peace are hidden from your eyes.”

You may feel powerless to stop such a powerful secular move in our society, but there is one thing you and I can do. We can make sure peace is not hidden from us. We can and should embrace the peace that comes from the presence of Christ. Christ followers should be known as a people of peace, within ourselves and outwardly as we interact with those around us. If millions of Christians walk through life in the peace of Christ, a cultures and societies will be changed.

Prince of Peace, how I desire You in my life, in our nation, and in the world. I recognize the desperate need for your peace, a peace that comes from my relationship with you. Pour that out upon all your people, please. Give us the boldness to speak and live peace wherever we might be. May your peace begin to bring transformation to our nation as you increasingly are recognized as Lord!

Prayer Points

• Express your praise to God as the compassionate Father (Ps. 103:13).

• Thank him for desiring only good things for his children, including you (Lk. 11:11-13).

• Commit yourself to seeking first God’s desire—his kingdom and his righteousness (Mt. 6:33).

• Ask God to “fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9).

• Pray for Christians living in oppressive conditions, that God’s desire for spreading his Word may be so strong in their hearts that they speak the Word boldly, without fear.