IN the day in which we live we are confronted with the sad spectacle of practically the whole world at war. Perhaps never in the history of time has God’s restraining grace been withdrawn or the powers of evil been let loose, to the extent to which they are at present, so that practically every individual of the human race is, in some form or another, made painfully conscious that there is a war. Modern science has been utilised in such a way that countries, which thought themselves secure from attack, and which were in fact for centuries immune from attack, find themselves suddenly confronted with the heart-rending sight of large tracts of their towns and cities razed to the ground, and many of their inhabitants buried under the ruins. Countries which, in order to save themselves from these horrors, took up a position of neutrality, found that the enemy combined dishonour with ruthlessness, and before they could take steps to defend themselves were invaded and brought to experience the full rigours of a state of war. Those who could say, “I have counsel and strength for the war,” took full advantage of their position, and at their door must be laid the crime of drenching the whole world with blood, and bringing confusion into every sphere.
We must not, however, forget that all this is by permission of Him who sits as King upon the floods. Iniquity increased, and men forgot their duty to God. Nations, like our own, which had great and precious privileges, lightly esteemed them, and went after other gods. It began to be considered a weakness to acknowledge God and to respect His commandments, and that worship and glory which is due to Him alone was given to others. “Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” The result is that “the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.” In doing so peace and order is taken away from the earth, “for every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood.” In this sad calamity peace is a strange word to the nations of the earth, yet there is peace in this war-torn world of ours.
When the angel of the Lord came to bring tidings of the birth of the Saviour the song of the heavenly host which accompanied him was, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Men of the world, having nothing but an external knowledge of the Christian religion deny that Christ brought peace into the world, and in this outward appearances support them. While He Himself tabernacled in the flesh the devil and the world did not allow Him peace for He was tempted, reviled, persecuted, and at last crucified. His followers did not fare better for, during the nineteen hundred years and more since His crucifixion, the greatest conflicts which embittered the lives of men were the result of determined efforts to overthrow true religion so that worldly men think it strange to associate peace with the coming of Christ into the world. It is, however, irrational on the part of any man to maintain that there is no peace in the world simply on the ground that he himself fails to see it or feel it, and on that ground to ignore the evidence of unimpeachable witnesses. When the disciples were faced with the prospect of Christ leaving this world and going to the Father He comforted them by saying: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Twice when He appeared to the assembled disciples after His resurrection His salutation to them was: “Peace be unto you,” and at a time when their thoughts were far removed from peace, for “the doors were shut . . . for fear of the Jews.” This salutation was not a meaningless expression on His glorious lips for the effect of it, and His appearance to them, was that “the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” The fears from without and the vexing thoughts within were alike stilled, and as before happened on the Sea of Galilee “there was a great calm.” In like manner all who see Him with the eye of faith are put in possession of “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”
Experiencing Peace in Trying Circumstances
It is possible for such to experience peace under the most trying circumstances. When persecuted for their religion as many were, or slandered and having no means of defending themselves they need not be unduly perturbed, for in these circumstances they are continually under the care of God, and He has them in His thoughts. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end.” He overrules all things for their good, and the very things which occasion vexing thoughts and disturb their peace, are those things which He often directs into channels which bring them a solid peace. Godly Jacob had a fear of going down to Egypt, and had good reason for that fear, and the circumstances which led to his going gave him not only days but years of the most bitter sorrow, so that he was constrained to cry in anguish of soul, “all these things are against me.” Yet he lived to see that the opposite was the case.
Peace for the Christian Soldier
In the present conflict the enemy has endeavoured by every means in his power to cause this country to submit to him. The U-boat and the long-range bomber have been continually on the track of ships bringing food and other necessaries to these islands. Some of our large cities have experienced the destructive power of high explosives rained from the air taking an immense toll of life and property. Scenes of confusion and sorrow which sicken the heart have often been described in the press, together with deeds of valour and self-sacrifice which write themselves in most legible characters in the history of humanity, but there is another side to the picture and the press never gives it. It is the true Christian trusting in his God. In view of such scenes as have been already referred to it is but natural that the child of God, being weak in himself, should feel his need of encouragement and strength, and his God has not disappointed him in this. Long ago He left it written on the page of His book, “In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.” When such a promise is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit it will make the righteous bold as a lion. He has the assurance from God Himself that all will be well.
This peace is invaluable to the Christian soldier on the battlefield, and it is possible for him to have it there. “Every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood,” and “the chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jutle one against another in the broad ways,” as was literally the case in the great tank battles in Lybia, but he is kept in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on his God. He is not unconcerned as to whether or not the instruments of war possessed by the army, of which he is a unit, are superior to those of the enemy, but it is not there that his trust is for he has learned a lesson which would be of great value for our nation if they would learn it. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” In view of the safety afforded by the name of the Lord which is “a strong tower” the Christian soldier in the midst of all the dangers and uncertainties of a campaign against the enemy, when granted a respite from duties, is enabled to sleep peacefully and say with the Psalmist: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.”
The Source of Peace
To every one of us it is a seasonable question, What do I know of this peace? Apart from an interest in Christ it cannot be obtained, and even those who have an interest in Christ deprive themselves of the enjoyment of much of this peace by not having right thoughts of God. In the midst of failures and great losses of men and material, even the true Christian is apt to forget the character of God. It is when he remembers that “the Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever,” that he recovers his composure, for God is ruling all things for His own glory, and what is for His glory is for the good of such as trust in Him. Surprise attacks by the enemy, skilful manoeuvres by eminent strategists, and the treachery of professed friends are all under His control, yea, by His permission they have their very existence, and He will direct them into channels where they will fulfil what he purposed from all eternity, and make them of no use for the purposes of the enemies of His people—”The stout-hearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep; and none of the men of might have found their hands.” Thus the one who has an interest in Christ can confidently leave all these things in the hands of God, for when His purposes are fulfilled He will bring to an end the strivings of the potsherds of this earth—”He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire.” Happy are they who can say: “The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”—J. C.