Peace for the Individual
By Rufus A. Underwood
Abundance of Peace for Those Who Seek It—The Prince of Peace Has Multiplied It—Personal Peace, Even in the Midst of Strife This is the seventh article by Mr. Underwood on the fundamentals of the gospel as set forth in the Sermon on the Mount. Each article presents an independent thought, and may be read with profit whether you have seen the others or not. EDITOR. “BLESSED are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matt. 5:9. No one can be a peacemaker unless he is in possession of peace in his own soul. “Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Ps. 119:165. Christ is the Prince of peace. He not only possesses peace, but He is the One who dispenses peace to all who choose the paths of peace. Christ says, “My peace I give unto you”; and again, “Peace I leave with you.” If we do not possess peace, it is not because Christ is unable to supply us with peace; for it is said of Him and His kingdom, “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” Isa. 9:7. Therefore, with such a constant increase of peace as Christ has for His people, there can be only one reason why men do not have peace ruling in their hearts; namely, they do not desire to accept the conditions by which peace is secured. “The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Ps. 37:11. Again, “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Isa. 32:17. “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.” “Destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known.” Isa. 48:22; Rom. 3:16, 17. THOUGHTS OF PEACE, AND NOT OF EVIL
Are you a professed Christian, and do not possess the peace of God in your soul? If so, there is something decidedly wrong in your life’s experience. Listen to the promise of God: “The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Ps. 29:11. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This message is repeated in Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; and in each359of these six passages; this benediction of peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is pronounced. Heaven’s continual thought toward man is peace, beautifully expressed in these words: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” The Jewish version reads, “To give to you a happy future and hope.” My brother and sister, if your soul is like the turbulent, rolling sea, Christ is ready to speak to you, saying, “Peace, be still.” Mark 4:39. Christ offers peace to every troubled heart. He cannot deny Himself. Again let us read a text quoted in a previous article: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. And the God of peace shall be with you.” Phil. 4:6-9. Not only is this peace pledged, but God wishes to multiply this grace to every trusting child of His. Listen: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 1:2, 3. PEACE IN THE MIDST OF STRIFE
It is possible to have the peace of God dwelling in the soul while the storm of life is raging without; but it is not enough to have peace. The blessing promised is to the “peacemaker.” The world is full of strife, quarrels in families, quarrels in communities, and the nations are mad. The awfulness of this condition for months has been a living example of the greatest human tragedy and slaughter the world has ever seen; and still it continues, with little prospect of soon ending. It is reported that in the city of Chicago, divorce decrees were granted at the rate of one for every six marriages for the year 1914. And this does not tell the sad story of many unhappy homes that know not the way of peace. There can be no peace in the heart that clings to sin. Sin is the canker and cancer that destroys peace, joy, and life itself. Reader, make the Prince of peace your portion, and you will realize the sweetness of these lines: “I am resting to-night in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control.
I am kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul. “Weary soul, without gladness or comfort or rest,
Passing down the rough pathway of time,
Make the Saviour your friend, ere the shadows grow dark,
O, accept of this peace so sublime! “Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.”