Throughout the Bible God has promised peace to His people. In Leviticus 26:6 He promised Israel that terrorists, wild beasts, and invading armies would be held at bay, and they would live in peace. In John 14:27 Jesus promised His followers, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you”. Digging deeper into the word than just the surface you will find that His promises have conditions attached to them. I believe the Psalmist was really on to something in Psalm 85:8 when he said, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak, For He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly.” His peace is not offered as blanket coverage to everyone, but is reserved for those who listen to and hear what He says. This hearing is not just with our physical ears, but according to Strong’s dictionary, it is “to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, Etc.”) It is doing what we hear, “be doers of the word, and not hears only, deceiving yourselves” James 1:22. The Psalmist also says not to return to folly (silliness). Steer completely away from the old paths and don’t return to any of them, and you will reap the reward.
God’s Promise of Peace
By Rose Hill
We are listening to what God will say,
For He wants to give peace in our life today.
Even when the storm is coming and the waves do beat,
And there seems to be no place of retreat.
In the midst of it all Jesus says “Peace be still”,
And the wind and the sea will obey His will.
So do not let your heart troubled be,
From fear and doubt He makes you free.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.