INSTRUMENT of PEACE

 

MAY 23, 2023

Isaiah 26:3

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

The life of St. Francis of Assisi is an outstanding story. It’s a story of a life lived marked by love and sacrifice. His was a life led by the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on Francis’ life will lead you to a deeper love for God’s Spirit and for God’s creation.

I invite you to open your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to create a sacred space for God to speak his word and peace into your spirit today.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Musician and recording artist Eric Clapton is known as one of the greatest guitar players ever. It was said Eric not only learned the guitar on his own but logged between 3-8 hours a day of practice. He became one of the greats with his instrument through consistency and dedication to it.

With Eric Clapton in your mind, let’s turn to the scriptures and see what they have to say about becoming an instrument of peace.

In 1 Samuel 16:23, it says, “And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So, Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.”

David was not only proficient with his instrument, but he became what St. Francis writes about in his prayer, an instrument of peace to Saul.

 

I wonder, when you read, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” what comes to mind for you?

What does an instrument of peace look like to you?

What might this instrument sound like?

Have you encountered someone who was an instrument of peace to you?

 

If you want to become great at something, with an instrument for example, practice and focus must be part of your routine. Eric Clapton is an example of this. It seems to me that the same drive and focus is required if we want to become an instrument of peace.

Scriptures tell us in Isaiah 26:3, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” John 14:27 Jesus 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.”

Don’t just wish for peace, hope for peace, claim the promise that God makes to us in the Bible, and through the Spirit's help, guidance, and strength, become an instrument of peace so you can overflow with God’s peace and extend that peace to others.