Peace in the Valley – Photo by Blogger from the Galilee Region of Israel

 

To be for peace is a choice and not always an easy choice. Surrounded by war cries and hostilities, the voices calling for calm are often muffled and maligned.

 

Dissonant is the music of the drumbeats. Thunderous is the rhythm of the boots upon the ground marching forth to battle for land, for prestige, for power, for dominance, for supremacy, and for wealth.

 

It may bring all forms of harsh criticism and your motives may be questioned if you advocate for peace.

 

At best, you may be considered unrealistic. At worse, you may be accused of disloyalty.

 

" Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,

that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Too long have I had my dwelling

among those who hate peace.

I am for peace,

but when I speak, they are for war!"

Psalm 120:5-7 (ESV)

 

A sure way to invoke the wrath of those who are for war is to be for peace.

 

It will take all of your prayer and strength not to break with your resolve, not to lash out, and not to wish ill upon your tormentors for their anger can be strong and their condemnation can be chilling. But you have your marching orders from a higher commander and you are declared to be blessed by the Prince of Peace.

"Peace! Be still!"
– Mark 4:39

Lots of trouble in the world …
Lots of turmoil …
Soil of fear …
Toil of tears …
But my soul can be still,
…Sided with by the One who walks beside.

When I cried, He heard.
When I sighed, He spoke the Word.
Nothing has changed.
I am not shaken.
These are days of grace. – Tom Sims

Be Still, My Soul
(The melody is Finlandia by Sibelius, and the words are translated from the German work of Catharina von Schlegel, a Lutheran who wrote during the Pietist period of the 18th century.)

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.