Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 122:6, 7: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.”
Referring to Jerusalem, the City of Peace, the Scriptures teach us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It says that those who love Jerusalem will prosper. We are to pray for peace to be in her walls and prosperity within her dwellings.
Hebrews 12:22 tells us that we are “Come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” By the grace of God, we are now citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. Revelation 3:12 and 21:2 calls it the New Jerusalem and the Holy City.
The old Jerusalem, although called the City of Peace, has not experienced very much peace during its history. Primarily because its personal relationship with God became cold and institutionalized, culminating in the rejection of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
However, we who are now by virtue of our relationship with the Prince of Peace (the New Jerusalem spiritually speaking), should be filled and overflowing with His peace. Everywhere we go we should radiate His glorious peace. As it was with Jesus, so it should be with us. People we meet should literally feel and sense God’s peace in us.
Peace that passes all understanding is not limited to having everything perfect around us. Jittery, nervous, anxious Christians are a paradox to the peace of God. We must beware of institutionalizing our Christian faith which results in failing to build up our personal relationship with the Prince of Peace.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell