The KINGDOM CLARION

By Larry W. King

Volume II, Number XIX

July 22, 2009

 

Peace Be With You!

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation.  The Lord be with you all.” – II Thessalonians 3:16 (New Living Translation)

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “peace” as follows: Peace n. 1.  freedom from or a stopping of war  2.  a treaty or agreement to end war or the threat of war  3.   freedom from public disturbance or disorder; public security; law and order  4.  freedom from disagreement or quarrels; harmony; concord  5.  an undisturbed state of mind; absence of mental conflict; serenity: in full peace of mind  6.  calm; quiet; tranquility.

The word peace occurs more than 400 times in the King James Version of the Bible.  Indeed, at many different points in His ministry, Christ expresses a desire for serenity amongst His followers.  In one of the most inspiring passages in all scripture, Jesus forewarns the disciples of His upcoming departure, but assures them that the Holy Ghost will return, bringing comfort and Spiritual tranquility.  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” – John 14:27 (KJV).

Later in that same exhortation to His beloved twelve, Our Lord declares: “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” – John 16:33 (KJV).

Finally, after the resurrection, Jesus appears to the eleven – minus the betrayer, Judas Iscariot, who had hanged himself - gathered in Jerusalem: “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you” – Luke 24:36 (KJV). 

And it’s frequently used even today.  “Peace.”  “Peace, brother.”  “Peace Out!”  “The Peace of the Lord Be Always With You.”  “Peezy fo’ sheezy (i.e. peace for sure).”  These phrases are uttered and heard so frequently, we often take them for granted.  However, like the departure greeting good-bye – literally a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye” – somewhere along the way, peace has lost its true meaning.

Moreover, many of us in this stress-filled, 21^st century world, have lost our peace.  Especially, according to Webster’s 5^th definition above, “an undisturbed state of mind; absence of mental conflict; serenity: in full peace of mind”.  And what is anxiety or depression, if not the antithesis of peace of mind?  Cherished reader, ponder these sobering statistics:

Ø      Depressive disorders affect approximately 10% of the U.S. population age 18 or older.

Ø      Everyone will at some time in their life be affected by depression – their own or someone else’s.

Ø      The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23% per annum.

Ø      30% of women are depressed.  Men’s figures were previously thought to be half that of women, but new estimates are much higher.

Ø      80% of depressed people are NOT currently being treated.

Ø      92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment.

Ø      15% of depressed people will commit suicide.

Ø      Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 – and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.

Is there any question that we need true and lasting peace – which ONLY comes from knowing the Creator, personally - now more than ever? 

Faithful reader, no matter what circumstances you are facing today, know assuredly that Our Lord loves you and wants you to have an abundant life FULLY at peace.   Note well the words of Jesus on this: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” – John 10:10 (NLT)

So with poignancy, sincerity and heartfelt earnestness, my prayer for you is that now and forever may God’s Peace Be With You!

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Larry W. King is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Magna cum Laude) and heads the Denver-based music group, Kingdom Kru.  He serves as Minister of Music at Faith Community Baptist Church under the leadership of co-pastors Rev. Douglas and Katherine Farley.