LET THERE BE PEACE!

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem..."

(Psalm 122:6)

“May there be peace within your walls” (Psalm 122:7), David celebrates in this song of ascents at the gates of the Temple of Jerusalem. In fact, the words here get mixed up. “Shalom” is "Peace"; "Shalwah", "prosperity"; and "Yerushalaim" the "City of Peace".

“May there be peace and prosperity within your walls” (Psalm 122:7). The Lord's blessing for the people, for the city, for the nation begins within each one of us.

The construction of peace begins in the heart. From within the inner “walls” of each one of us springs true peace - the one that bears fruit here, now, and for eternity.

Each person is responsible for their own peace. The peace that exudes, that flows from one's own life: from the brightness of the eyes, the beauty of the face, and the sweet smile that illuminates, perfumes, and enchants, celebrating the glory of God - the effect of the presence of the Holy Spirit!

“Rivers of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:38).

But there is a price to pay for this: renunciation, brokenness, humility, righteousness, and obedience. And to endure the setbacks that the world imposes on us. That is why Jesus Christ said: “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome” (John 16:33).

Peace in the depths of your heart. Peace in the corners of the soul, where no one knows and no one sees. Peace with God, peace with yourself. Repentance and forgiveness of oneself and to oneself - and above all, forgiveness from God!

The nations are crying out for peace. Peace in the city, peace in the countryside, peace in homes. Peace for children, for young people, for the elderly, for the sick - and for those who suffer the threat of death.

The world is crying out for peace.

Even in the churches today, there is a cry for peace. “Seek and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11b).

May there be peace within your walls, Jerusalem!

I AM YOUR PEACE.”

Pr. Reuel Pereira Feitosa Pastor

President of the Peniel Work

Belo Horizonte, MG - Brasil

(Translated by Pr Silvana and Pr Savior)