R.I.P. Why Peace?
“Are you at peace with God?” On numerous occasions, I’ve asked a dying person this question. As a pastor, I have also been asked to visit a dying person and make as sure as possible a loved one has made peace. Obituaries often read, “So and so peacefully passed yesterday with family and friends by their side.”
Interestingly, one of life’s final issues is peace. We want to depart this life knowing we have made peace with our family and friends, leaving no unsettled issues on the table. There are two desires people generally want for loved ones in their final stage of life – minimal pain and peace. None of us wants to die in extended pain or watch a loved one suffer on their way to the beyond. That makes perfect sense. But what about peace?
In 1967, brothers Tom and John Fogerty formed an enormously popular band called Credence Clearwater Revival. Tom was the elder of the two, but John became the band’s lead singer, guitarist, and sole songwriter. The youngest was far more talented than his older sibling, which led to a rift that broke up the band. During the ensuing years, Tom became angry and bitter, having only mild success as a solo artist while John became an icon in rock history. Tom died years later, having never reconciled with his brother. In several interviews, John has expressed regret that he never made peace with his brother.
But why is dying in peace so important?
Why do we say and write on tombstones, “Rest in peace?” This phrase was found in ancient catacombs on the tombs of Christians nearly 2,000 years ago and has persisted to this day. It was reasoned that a soul who died in peace would enjoy eternal life with God.
Peace is a big deal, isn’t it? If you agree, then that leads to another question. Are you at peace? If not, why wait until you are dying to enjoy this precious commodity? To possess this gift, one’s entire life is even more significant when we understand that the Grim Reaper can knock on our door anytime, even when we least expect him. It is comforting and soothing to know that you will rest in peace if he calls your name today.
So, how do we find and maintain peace? Here are a few suggestions:
Peace begins and ends in our minds. Though we sometimes think of peace in terms of outward relationships and environmental conditions, it resides in your mind and soul. Peace transcends both relationships and the environment. That is why some folks can have nearly all enriching relationships and still not be at peace, while others can live amid conflict and still experience a deep sense of peacefulness. Peace is an internal job, and it starts by being at peace with the most important person – you. Make peace with yourself first.
An unsettled and conflicted mind does not experience much peace. When you’re struggling to find this elusive angel, perhaps consider things like:
· Repeat to yourself, I am a child of God, loved and cherished by a heavenly Father. If you must recite those words a hundred times daily to make yourself believe it, then do it. God’s love for you does not depend on how talented, successful, hard-working, or righteous you are. You cannot make God love you more or less than He already does. Do not accept thoughts that you are somehow unworthy of your Father’s love. It is free, unconditional, and more precious than diamonds. He has told you this fact many times in His Word and is not lying to you.
· Enjoy who you are. You do not need to be someone or something else. We are all a work in progress, and that is okay. A while ago, I injured my foot, which was very painful. So, I did everything I could to help that member heal since it’s an essential part of my body. I went to the doctor, took the medications, and followed her directions. The healing process was slow and still painful, but it happened. Meanwhile, I still found ways to do what I needed and wanted to while healing. We are all healing from something, but it does not stop us from living whole lives. It does not have to stop you from enjoying peace.
· Feed your faith. It is so cliché, but turn everything over to God. Let Him be your sherpa, confidant, forgiver, and especially friend. When you are not at peace, run towards, not away from your Maker.
As far as it depends on you, do what it takes to maintain peaceful relationships. Your boss is a jerk, don’t let him make you one too! Your husband is so unreasonable, don’t allow him to incite you to return in kind. Your friend has done you wrong. . . You catch my drift. One of Jesus's most challenging suggestions was to love your enemies and do good to them. Argh! He was not giving that instruction for their benefit but for yours. A person who can do good to their enemies can be at peace because they know they did the right, the higher, more noble thing.
Another essential facet of relational peace is forgiveness. Grudges, resentment, and bitterness are not peaceful emotions, but they are controllable. If you know in your heart you did something to damage a relationship, do something about it – ask forgiveness. On the opposite side, forgive people even when they do not return the favor. Where there is no forgiveness, there is no peace.
Rise above your environment. Some of the most moving and challenging true-life stories are about people who found peace amid suffering and persecution. I’ve visited the poorest places on earth and saw as much peace there as in rich, free America. How is that? Inner peace is found in quality relationships with yourself, others, and God. If you have that, you can have peace no matter what is happening around you or to you.
Do the things I’ve suggested and then – repeat.
I realize that all the “sage” advice I’ve offered is far easier for me to write than for any of us to practice daily, but that does not mean peace is out of reach. This precious prize will be elusive in some days and seasons, but the closer we come to enjoying its fruit daily, the richer and more fulfilling lives we can lead. It is not without reason that one of Jesus’ favorite departing phrases was, “Peace be with you.”
So, I offer my prayer for you. May you now and forever, R.I.P.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
P.S. I want to again recommend for your reading my nephew’s new book – Trust Me – Discovering Trust in a Culture of Distrust. I am presently reading it for the second time and find the book full of wisdom and guidance on a topic that affects all of us. https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Me-Discovering-Culture-Distrust/dp/1733433481/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18QQQYU57CWQ6&keywords=Trust+Me+-+discovering+trust+in+a+culture+of+distrust+book&qid=1693493236&sprefix=trust+me+-+discovering+trust+in+a+culture+of+distrust+book%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1
