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O Come, O King of nations,
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, verse 7
bind in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
and be yourself our King of Peace.
I love how the writer of this song speaks of such great hope as he asks for the binding of the hearts of all mankind and asks for all sad divisions to cease. What a beautiful request to the King of Peace! He knows that we need Jesus to make peace.
To fully appreciate this song verse, let’s break down the word peace by taking a look at this word in Hebrew. In Hebrew, the word peace is Shalom which means completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace. Have you ever experienced peace? Where everything is complete, sound, safe, and in total peace? I’ve had moments of peace by myself and with others. Moments where it can feel like everything is “right in the world”.
In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In a world that is chaotic, busy, and quite overwhelming I have had to be intentional to cultivate peace within my life and with others.
The successful abiding of peace has only come through spiritual discipline. Making sure I am entering into the peace-filled presence of God through His Word, praise, thanksgiving, and prayer. When I do it shifts my perspective from the problem to the hope found in Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 is a promise that says “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” It can be hard in a world that distracts us, but He promises us that as we focus on Him, and trust Him, that we will have perfect peace. What a beautiful hope-filled promise!
We interact with people often. Whether in our homes, our workplaces, our schools, or even grocery shopping. Simple fact: people are everywhere. God has designed us for others and to be in community with others.
Relationships can be difficult at times. In our scripture reading, James gives us great advice on how to walk wisely with others. In doing so, he says we will reap righteousness.
Peacemakers are those who seek peace at all costs. This is not merely keeping the peace. That would be called a peacekeeper, which is not what we are called to be. Rather we are called to make peace. This can vary in approach and what you are tasked with prayerfully through the Holy Spirit, but regardless of how the peace should be made, James encourages us to walk wisely in doing it.
Scripture Reference
Action Step
Is there a difficult relationship in your life currently? Pause and take a moment to pray for this relationship. Ask God what next step you need to do to become a peacemaker in this relationship, then follow through in obedience to what God is asking you to do.
Accompanying Playlist
All hymns referenced throughout the series found in one spot. Some versions are traditional. Others…not so much. Enjoy!
Living Simply With God 