My brother used to play this video game called Ratchet and Clank, and Ratchet was supposed to get this special hammer, locked inside an unbreakable glass case. Unfortunately, the only way to break the case was with the hammer. A catch-22.
Since the fall of mankind, peace has always been a catch-22. Paul says, “Be anxious for nothing… and the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds” (Philippians 4:6-7). Basically, get the hammer and you can break the glass to get the hammer. A catch-22. If you can find peace, congrats, peace will be yours.
Here’s the deal, peace is found only one place, inside the glass case that can ever only be broken by the hammer, i.e. from the inside. Peace comes from peace, and you have to start with peace to get back to peace.
Salvation is described as “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). Peace, any peace, inner peace, outer peace, world peace, peace with our neighbors—it all begins with peace with God. He is either the biggest most all-consuming enemy out there, or He is the biggest enemy-consumer I could have. Against God, I don’t stand a chance. With God, my enemies don’t.
The God of peace has made peace with me, and the peace of God is by nature guarding my heart, my mind, my steps. To get to peace, I need to remember I already have it. And the more I remember the salvation God secured for me, fully and freely, the more His peace will guard my heart and mind.
Excerpt from “Peace and How to Keep It.”