The Peace of God
W.F. Adeney Job 34:29 When he gives quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hides his face, who then can behold him?… I. PEACE IS A BLESSING OF THE HIGHEST VALUE. There is a quietness of death; the defeated are stilled; lethargy and inertness are quiet. And there is no blessedness in these things. True peace is alive, watchful, full of power and faculty, yet calm. The peace which our souls crave is inward restfulness. This may be found with much external activity, with much life and thought within also, but without confusion or tumult. The activity is harmonious. It is possible for peace to coexist with many sorrows. Peace is deeper than pain. When it dwells within it gives a strength as well as a sense of satisfaction, so that suffering which otherwise would seem intolerable becomes quite bearable, though it can never cease to be distressful. The deepest desire is not for joy; it is (or satisfaction of some hunger of the soul- There is an unrest that torments. Even appetite craves peace - not so much the enjoyment that accompanies its satisfaction, as that satisfaction itself, i.e. the ultimate peace. II. MAN FAILS TO FIND PEACE. Two opposite methods have been tried. 1. The satisfaction of desire. This is the way of the voluptuary; but it brings weariness and disgust, not peace. Many desires cannot be satisfied, and the vain effort to give them their ends is a cause of inward tumult. Even when one desire is satisfied, another springs up clamorous in its place. The capacity for desire is immeasurable, but the facilities for satisfaction are very limited. Hence an inevitable disappointment. 2. The suppression of desire. This is the ascetic method. It is less disappointing in some respects, but it is only possible for strong natures. Indeed, in its completeness it is not possible for any. Desires will arise unsought. But if all desires could be crushed, the result would be torpor, death. For we live by hope. Therefore the peace of mere suppression is but the peace of death, and no true peace. III. GOD GIVES PEACE. The quietness of a strong and happy life is from him and from him alone. Yet it is not given as a direct boon irrespective of our condition. God gives peace through confidence. Christ said, "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me." Therefore we must trust in order to be at rest. Nevertheless, the peace is a Divine gift; it is more than the natural consequence of trusting. Something must be done to quell turbulent passions and to harmonize conflicting desires, and this is done by the influence of God's Spirit in the heart of man, IV. THE PEACE OF GOD IS SECURE. "Who then can make trouble?" This is a solid peace. 1. Resting on a good foundation. Earthly peace is like an unstable equilibrium. It looks fair and inviting, yet it is overturned by the first touch of opposition. But the peace of God is stable; we can learn to put it to the test. It is not a mere mood of the soul; it is of a strong and vital character. 2. Protected from serious assaults When quietness of soul is given by God, it is also guarded by him. He shelters his haven of refuge. By providential watchfulness he keeps off what will destroy peace; by inward grace he fortifies the soul against disturbing influences. All this is experienced so long as the soul is trusting God, and therefore living in communion with him. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." - W.F.A. Parallel Verses KJV: When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: WEB: When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? Alike whether to a nation, or to a man,