SPEAK PEACE

"Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts."
Psalm 85:8

In a world at the brink of war, we spend a lot of time listening to political leaders, military experts, and media commentators. They tell us that we have a lot to fear. They point to the threat of terrorists attacks and would have us believe that going to war with those in far away lands is in our best interest. There are many persons in this land, and around the world, who listen to war-talk and loyally accept all they hear.

But maybe it is time to echo the psalmist and listen to what God will speak, for God will speak peace to his people. Hear anew these words of scripture:

"Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace... " Luke 2:14

"By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:79

"So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near...." Ephesians 2:17

"Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

"It is for this that you were called -- that you might inherit a blessing. For those who desire life ... let them seek peace and pursue it." 1Peter 3:9-11

In a world at the brink of war, perhaps it is time to turn off the words of war uttered by political lears, military experts, and media commentators; and begin listening to the God who will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

It's another way of living,

It's another way of listening,

It's another way of speaking peace.

Herman Kauffman