“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:21)
Their deeds are evil deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace. (Isaiah 59: 6b, 7-8)
We are a people belonging to God. The hallmark of God’s work in our lives is the fruit of the Spirit of God. We recite Galatians 5:22 in rapid succession, but savor each word as you read it. The fruit of the Spirit [of God] is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Notice that peace is a fruit of the Spirit of God. Just as a fruit tree buds, the fruit grows, ripens and is picked, so it is with the fruit of God's Spirit. The Word describes what the outcomes are in the lives of God's people when they are full of His Spirit. Often, when believers are trying to discern God’s voice, His will, in various circumstances in their lives, they rely on their sense of peace. This peace comes from the Spirit of God.
For the wicked, there is no peace. Period. They do evil things. They hurt people. They rush into sin. They will walk up your back with golf shoes on. They scheme, plot, plan evil, violence. These evil doers do not know peace.
Do you know people like this? They might be in your work place. Or your neighborhood. Or your community. Organizations you belong to – maybe even your church.
Truth be told, wickedness and evil deeds are at the core of evil people. And these are like an addiction – they pursue evil. They look for it. Plan it. Seem hooked on it. Somehow it gives them a warped sense of pleasure.
But look for peace. You won’t find it in their words. You won’t find it in their actions. You won’t find it in their faces, eyes, tone of voice. Because it doesn’t exist apart from God.
If you can’t find peace, maybe you aren’t looking for God. Maybe you are pushing your agenda. Maybe you have sin stored in your heart.
May you be a person of peace. Pursue peace with God, with yourself, and with others. Then and only then, will the peace of God - which surpasses all human understanding - guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Comments