A recent study led me to view the word “peace” differently. I’ve often been told, and I have said to others, “If you don’t have a sense of peace about your decision, you should reconsider.” Or, “God would never place confusion in your life. He is not a God of confusion, so if you are feeling confused and overwhelmed, you may consider a different way or decision.” The verses in the Bible (Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Thessalonians 3:16 )  that support this way of thinking use the Greek meaning of peace:

Eirēnē 

If you click on the word, you can hear the pronunciation.

Going deeper into the root meaning, we discover the peace God is referring to is not a feeling, but as a result of your salvation. Your peace comes from the knowledge of your connection with God, and His love for you.

The Greek word Paul uses here is eirēnē which, according to Strong’s Biblical Concordance, suggests, “the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ.” It’s the exact same word Paul uses in Romans 5:1 when he says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace [eirēnē] with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jordan Raynor

God consistently called people of the Old and New Testament into chaotic, life changing, dangerous, and unknowing situations. Think about a few: Daniel in the lion’s den, Queen Esther, Abraham, Jonah, David, and Deborah the judge. I can’t think of a single person He used that played it safe or had it easy.

I’m in a constant state of questioning due to so many decisions or events happening all at once. Some of them are decisions I have no control over, others I can influence, and some it’s straight up my call. I’m trying to practice resting in God–my Father, not the outcomes or my feelings. I believe that if you are facing the unsettled and uncomfortable then you are probably right where you are supposed to be. God will always see potential in His children and provide opportunity for them to manifest their God given gifts for His Kingdom work. His Kingdom work is to love Him, and through that love, love yourself, and others. It really is that simple. In the simplicity, God will get you out of your comfort zone and that is where you will need eirene, peace.

After studying this word and application, I found myself, that same day, in a store with the most beautiful and largest peace lily. I had to smile at God. “I see you loving on me”, I thought.

Stones, by Kim Walker

The longer the wait, the longer I’ll praise
The stronger the pain, the stronger my faith grows
The higher the need, the higher I’ll reach
The greater the cost, the more I’ll believe for
The longer the wait, the longer I’ll praise
The stronger the pain, the stronger my faith grows
The higher the need, the higher I’ll reach
The greater the cost, the more I’ll believe