Learning the Language of Peace

"Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly" (Psalm 85:8). 

My wife claims that I speak 'dog' or at least I speak the language of our dog. I should. I've been walking up and down our neighborhood with him for the past six years. By this time I pretty well know his moods, his great interest in smells, his body language when he wants to chase the neighbor's cat and when he's plain tired of walking and ready to go home. 

Now if I could only learn to speak 'wife'. That's a far more difficult language, one that I've been working at learning for these many years. I know a few of the verbs and many of the nouns and certainly some of the adjectives, but I'll always have more to learn about this language. 

I note with great interest that the Sons of Korah are praying in the psalm that they might learn to hear the LORD God speak 'peace'. Peace is a fascinating language, one that I desire to know better.

To hear peace implies that I quiet my life. There are times when so much is going on, so many voices screaming for my attention, that I cannot hear Him speaking to me. All I hear is guilt, anxiety, fear, tension, pain, hunger and desire. Where is the voice of the LORD speaking peace? Listen.

• "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 43:10). 
• "But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him" (Habakkuk 2:20).
• "Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling" (Zechariah 2:13). 
• "Be silent before the LORD God! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests" (Zephaniah 1:7). 
• "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" (Romans 9:20).

What do all these exhortations mean other than to humble yourself before him. He is the Sculptor who has formed us from the dust of the earth. We are but clay in his hands. We too often ignore him. We are in grave danger of him speaking words of judgment. We are too ready to listen to all those other voices, even though he longs to speak peace to us.

What a beautiful language peace is. It tells of harmony and unity with our Creator. It speaks of oneness with His creation. It draws us to one another. It is not the language of this fallen world. That's why our LORD says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).

Peace is a gift, purchased for us by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Only he can give it to us, leave it with us. No where else can it be found. Yet when we receive it, our hearts are calmed and fear leaves, for peace with Him brings new life and hope.

Today, LORD, I will come away from the noise all around me. I will seize that quiet time and I will listen to you. Speak peace to my heart and help me to turn not again to the foolishness and emptiness that surrounds me. Speak peace and I shall be at peace.