Yesterday a friend and I began a time of Bible study. The Lord led me to begin a verse by verse study of Colossians. I love that book!
I honestly know that there isn’t a wasted word in the Bible. All scripture is God inspired and given to help us grow, to correct and instruct us so that we will be thoroughly furnished for every good work.
I spent a lot of time just on verse 2.
“To the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” Colossians 1:2 ERV
This is not a generic “hi, how ya doing” greeting. Paul wanted this message to permeate all he was about to say. He was under house arrest in Rome. He was no longer able to meet with these young believers personally. He wanted their lives to be guided by peace and filled with grace.
God wants that for every believer. Grace – the forgiveness and restitution of our lives to relationship with the Father. Peace – the absence of fear, doubt and stress.
We spent a good deal of time right there. God gives us promised peace. Jesus said to his disciples:
“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV
He said knowing He would be crucified in the next few hours. If ever there was a time for peace it was then. Jesus was reassuring them that everything would be ok. That promise is good for us too.
“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. 4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ERV
Slow down enough to let that sink in. God gives true peace to those who trust Him – so trust Him always! That’s how we live in peace – trusting the Lord. He is our place of safety.
Remember the message of the angels as they announced the birth of Christ?
“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.” Luke 2:14 ERV
Peace on earth came through Jesus. This was God’s plan from the beginning. He wanted the relationship He had with Adam and Eve in the garden to be restored. Jesus came to fulfill that plan.
“And through him, God was happy to bring all things back to himself again— things on earth and things in heaven. God made peace by using the blood sacrifice of his Son on the cross.” Colossians 1:20 ERV
God has promised us peace. Emotional peace, internal peace and spiritual peace. I am certain of this when God makes a promise, He keeps it. Peace comes to those who trust so…trust Him always!