Peace in Hope

HOPE AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV).

Peace is a valued commodity in society. Among the Jewish people a greeting of peace was often employed. “Shalom, shalom,” they said, expressing wishes for well-being and the absence of conflict. However, it was also a wish for wholeness, health, and prosperity. Our hope for peace may also include such desires in our prayers and expectation. 

Jesus indicated that peace could also be the absence of anxiety and fear. Jesus told His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV). This anticipation of joy to come and the confidence that Jesus has gone on before us to prepare room for us fills us with hope!

We can have peace in God’s promises and hope in His provisions. His plan brings peace presently and the promise of greater fulfillment in things to come. Paul called it a, “blessed hope.” In his letter to Titus he wrote, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13 NIV).


Theme passage:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NKJ).