Peace in the midst of War

2 Samuel 11:7 - And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered . 
I am sure we all have had our fair share of "bad days". Some have literally been living in a "war zone" for a long time. Just when you thought that one problem is over, another joins in sequel and no end seems in sight. Unpaid bills, unruly children, bad relationships, law suits and the list is unending. These problems often takes a toll on a person's mental, physical and spiritual being. Worries, tensions, sleepless nights, high Bp, quarrels that permutate into fights and even suicide. If you are in a leadership position, you get all sorts of people challenging your decision. Is it possible for one to be at peace when everything around him is in shatters? Is it really possible to have peace in times of war?

Strangely, that is the question that David asked Uriah concerning Joab and the soldiers who were in the thickest of battle. The word "did" in the Hebrew text appears as Shaloam which means peace. Translated literally, the text would read, How is the peace of Joab, how is the peace of the soldiers? What a strange and absurd question to ask when one is in thick warfare. It may even be stupid to think if this is ever possible.Sometimes its so hard to just trust God and let Him fight the battle.

But that is exactly what Jesus implied when he said in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. That means that even when the world around us collapses, we can still be at peace within ourselves because of the peace that Christ gives to us.

A good example of this is Peter when he was in prison. You would remember how a coward Peter was at the trial and death of Jesus but after the day of Pentecost, he was a charged, spirit-filled man, In Acts 12, Peter was kept in prison awaiting his execution the next day. Verse 6 - The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. The Peter who was fear-filled is now an embodiment of peace, even when facing death. Peaceful when "life is about to end."

Remember the incident in Matthew 8, when Jesus calmed the storm. The question Jesus asked the disciples was, Why are you so afraid?” Well what else do you expect the disciples to do at that point when faced with such a storm. Yet, Jesus expected a different response. Not one of fear but one of peace.

A christian who has a consistent relationship with God you can have peace in war.

Here are some handles for us to be at peace in war:
    1. Cling to His Presence - An old Sunday School song says, "With Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm." I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. He dwells and stays in me. David said is Psalms 46:1-2 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.  A little girl's rendition of Psalms 23 was as follows: The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I need.
    1.  Cling to His Promises - Jesus said I am with you even to the ends of the world (Mat 28:20). I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5). If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’(Mat 6:30-31)
    1. Cling to His Providence - Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God is in total control. You know the devil always wants us to use our flesh to fight the spiritual warfare. He knows when we do that he has got the victory. Its so sad that many Christians who claim to be spiritual, yet live in deception walk in the carnal realm.  In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat was in a desperate situation. The enemy had threatened to attack. He looks up to God, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. The the Lord speaks through his prophet and says in verse 17, You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’ Why then fret?

      This then is really a mark of a matured disciple of Christ. In spite of the war, he is still at peace. Are you?

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