Peace? Now?

Everybody wants peace. In a world that stands on the brink of wars and rumors of wars, disease, and the possibility of our cities being targeted for terrorists attacks, the question is being asked, “Where can we find peace?”

Peace….the inner tranquility that allows you to lie down at night and sleep soundly without worrying about anything.

Peace….the hope that keeps you expecting good things to happen. Peace…the assurance that knowing even if bad things happen, God has worked it all out for your good.

Peace…the ability to overcome anxiety, confusion, disillusionment, heartbreak, trauma, trials, tribulation, disaster, struggles, poverty, disappointment and all the vicissitudes of life.

Does that peace sound impossible? It isn’t. It’s a gift.

Peace is a gift of God to those who love him and are called by His name.

All of us want peace. Peace with God. World peace. Peace of mind. Peace is a little foretaste of heaven. Of all God’s gifts to believers, peace has proven the most difficult for the enemy to counterfeit. Lust can masquerade as love. Pride can hide in a cloak of generosity. Temporary happiness will often look more appealing than true joy. Then there’s peace. You either have it or you don’t.

I’ve heard it said, “You’re either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or headed for another storm.” Those words have helped me prepare for life’s unexpected deluges. When the Word of God is in you, you don’t have to worry about life’s storms. You can even lie down at night and rest peacefully, knowing that God is in control. We can be assured that in the midst of fear and anxiety, strength is found in the promise of our Heavenly Father. In Him (and Him alone) is abundant peace.

Psalm 27The Lord is my light and my salvation;whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life;of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh,my adversaries and foes,it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me,yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord,that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.  For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!You have said, “Seek my face.”My heart says to you,“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.  Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!