"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way"

The data is inconclusive.  It depends on who you you talk to and how it is defined.  It also assumes a complete knowledge we may not actually have.  In 2003, a New York Times article said the most common, long held view is 8 percent, which equals 268 of the past 3400 years.

Only 268 years of peace.  Only 268 years where there hasn’t been a war on this planet.  The same article defined “war” as more than 1000 combatants killed (civilians not included).  900 dead?  Wouldn’t count.  How about a decades long feud between nomadic tribes?  Wouldn’t count.  How about a large tribal conflict in a remote jungle 2000 years ago?  We wouldn’t know about it.  It wouldn’t count.

So has humanity ever really known peace?  Not really.  And yet, it can be said we have known times of peace in our little part of the world.  But even in those fleeting times, we seem to be preparing for the next war, the next conflict, the next time danger (or evil) will rear its ugly head.

It will happen.  Even Jesus said in John 16:13, “In the world you will have tribulation.”

So is peace even possible?  In the world in our time?  No.  In your heart as you walk through this world?  It depends on who you talk (or listen) to.  If all you feed your soul is the negativity and depravity of a sin-sick world… then, no.  It is not possible for you.  If you define peace as a total absence of conflict, well then, good luck finding peace.  If you view peace as you having attained some level of knowledge, some special understanding that moves you above the fray… well, let’s hope your special knowledge is as complete as you think it is.

Me, personally?  I quit trying to find peace.  Oh, not because of some nihilistic view, but because it found me.  Or rather “He” found me.  Or better yet, He drew me to Him.

A minor confession: I quoted Jesus out of context a moment ago.  Here is the full statement:

I have said these things to you,

that in me you may have peace.

In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

–John 16:13

You see, it’s not a matter of searching for peace.  It’s a matter of walking with Jesus.  One accompanies the other.  In fact, a synonym for “attendeth” is “accompanies”.  The hymn writer is drawing the picture of moving in the same direction as the river.  Having been drawn to it, we walk alongside it… perhaps even in it.  It accompanies us on our way.

So if I desire peace:

• I’ll talk to the source.

• I’ll walk in His way.

• I’ll admit that His knowledge of what has been, what is, and what is to come is far greater than mine.

I can rest in that.  Or rather in Him.

Hmmmm.  Some might call that “peace.”

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Finally…

Three questions:

1. How are you defining peace?

2. How can who you talk (or listen) to affect your pursuit of peace?

3. How complete is your knowledge of the Prince of Peace?

IT IS WELL // BEYOND WORDS //JIM FAULK