Peace – Jeremiah 30:5

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 30:5 (NIV)

 “This is what the Lord says: “‘Cries of fear are heard—terror, not peace.”

Jeremiah 30:5 (MSG)

“God’s Message: “‘Cries of panic are being heard. The peace has been shattered.”

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“Thus says the Lord, ‘We have heard a terrified voice of panic and dread, and there is no peace.” -AMPLIFIED

“A time of great terror, dread, and unrest was coming. Men would behave as though they were in labor; they would hold themselves in pain as women do when they are about to give birth. This is a picture of powerlessness and panic.” ~Thomas Constable

Jeremiah wrote the words of the Lord down for the people, so they could go back and read them later. Why was this important? Because the people needed to know and remember that God cares for them, He loves them.

“These are the words the Lord spoke to Israel and Judah.” -Jeremiah 30:4 (CSB)

Again, Jeremiah reiterates, these are the words of the Lord, this Message comes from Adonai–Tzva’ot Himself. God desired to set their minds at peace.

NOTE: Many theologians believe, as do I, that this passage pertains not only to Israel and Judah’s captivity in Babylon, but also to the End Times. God cared so much, and He wanted to give them hope, that He gave to them many warnings about the End Times.

Eternal One: “A cry of fear is heard—it is the sound of panic, not of peace.” -(VOICE)

Remember, Jeremiah tells us that God had given to him this Message for Israel and Judah. They needed to know what would happen in the future. God was forewarning them. Why? Because of all the lies that had been bombarding them, which had been delivered by the false prophets. God wanted the people to know the Truth. He was not going to hide what would happen. Jeremiah had been obedient, he had written it all down, so that future generations could go back and read what God had foretold through Jeremiah.

This warning begins with the reaction of those who will be there:

“We hear people crying from fear. They are afraid. There is no peace.” -(ICB)

In that day there will be crying out, because people will be afraid. There will be terror and dread. No one will feal safe, and there will definitely be no peace. Peace…something that the Jews held dear. The word “shalom” used both as a greeting and a salutation. In Hebrew it means: “completeness, soundness, welfare, peace”. (Strong’s Concordance)

In the last days there would be no peace, and Adonai–Tzva’ot forewarns His people that this will be the case. But…we will learn that He does not want them to be afraid. He wants them to remember that He is in control, and He gives to them these words of hope and encouragement later in the chapter:

“So people of Jacob, my servants, don’t be afraid! Israel, don’t be frightened,” says the Lord. “I will save you from that faraway place where you are captives. I will save your family from that land. The people of Jacob will be safe and have peace again. There will be no enemy to frighten them. I am with you and will save you,” says the Lord. “I scattered you among those nations. Even if I completely destroy all those nations, I will not destroy you. You will be punished fairly. But I will punish you.” -Jeremiah 30:10-11 (ICB)

“Where shall we find peace?” they cry. “There is only fear and trembling.” -(TLB)

“Thus saith Jehovah, A cry, or, the voice of trembling, or of fear, have we heard. The word חרדה, cherede, is thought to mean properly that dread which makes the whole body to tremble, and is therefore rendered trembling. God speaks, and yet in the person of the people. Why? In order to expose their insensibility; for as they were obstinate in their wickedness, so they were not terrified by threatenings, however many and dreadful. God dictated words for them, for they were altogether void of feeling. We now see why God assumed the person of those who were secure, though Jeremiah daily represented to them God’s vengeance as near at hand. The meaning is, that though the people were asleep in their sins, and thought themselves beyond the reach of danger, even when God was displeased with them, yet the threatenings by which God sought to lead them to repentance would not be in vain. Hence God says, We have heard the voice of fear; that is, “Deride and scoff as you please, or remain insensible in your delusions, so as to disregard as the drunken what is said, being destitute of feeling, reason, and memory, yet God will extort from you this confession, this voice of trembling and fear.” ~John Calvin

Jesus took the time to forewarn His followers about what would happen in the End of Times. Why? So they would be prepared. So they would not be surprised, so they wouldn’t lose their faith or their peace. In the sixteenth chapter of John, we find Jesus giving warning of happenings that could disturb and confuse His followers, but in the final verse of the chapter He says this:

“I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.” -John 16:33 (VOICE)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” -John 16:33 (AMP)

Where does our peace come from? The peace that we so desire and need comes from the Lord, only the Lord. Paul, writing to the Philippians tells us this:

“Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.” -Philippians 4:6-7 (VOICE)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” -Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP)

Peace is not only something God gives us, Jesus is our Peace, remember Jesus is the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) And He gave His disciples this promise:

“My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful.” -John 14:27 (VOICE)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -John 14:27 (NIV)

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” -John 14:27 (AMP)

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” ~C.S. Lewis

My friend, do you have peace today? It is a gift given to God’s children, that only He can give. If your mind is overwhelmed today, take the time to sit quietly at the feet of our Savior and allow Him to speak into you, His peace. Allow the Lord to whisper Words of peace, hope and comfort into your heart and mind. Let Him BE your Prince of Peace. Rest quietly in His presence and breathe in His perfect peace.

“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” ~Thomas Watson

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am in need of your peace today. My mind is troubled. This world is so chaotic, and peace seems lacking. Your Word reminds me that in the midst of the storm, I can have perfect peace, if my mind is stayed on you. Lord, Prince of Peace, I give to you all my cares, anxieties, my worries. I place them all in your capable hands and I am trusting that you are working all things out for good. Please, fill my heart and mind with your peace. I choose to trust you, The Giver of Peace. Thank you, Lord. ❤