(Psa 46:9) He makes wars cease to the end of the earth . . .
Wouldn’t it be great if everybody in the world got along? There have been cries of “Give peace a chance” for a long time. We are told to imagine world peace. It makes for a nice bumper sticker but it’s hard to imagine a world without war, especially when it comes so close to home.
Jesus said, "But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately." 10 Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Luke 21:9-10) Wars have always been and wars will always be. And according to Bible prophecy, they will get worse until that final battle of Armageddon (See Dan 11:40-45; Rev 16:16; 19:11-21). Only after that will wars cease and the world will experience the peace of God in the Lord’s new glorious kingdom and eternal reign (Rev 20-22).
The apostle James asked a good question, “Where do wars and fights come from among you?” He then quickly answers, “Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (James 4:1) War isn’t only about bombs and planes and devastation. It’s about the state of the human, sinful heart. It’s awful what the terrorists do but then I consider that I have the same sinful heart as they (Jer 17:9). What a scary thought!
Psalm 46 gives us a promise that God is our refuge and will make wars to cease to the end of the earth. God also assures us that He is able to make peace in our own warring hearts (Col 3:15; John 14:1) and in our own warring relationships (Eph 2:14-16). God asks us to not imagine world peace but to live it (Rom 12:18). The Bible promises we can have peace with God through Jesus (Rom 5:1) and also the peace of God (Phil 4:6-7). Then when that happens, there will be peace on earth between men! (Luke 2:14)
Are you tired of war? Then may the Prince of Peace fill your heart with His peace and agape love so that no matter what’s going on in the world . . . or in your heart . . . His peace will reign!
Louie