What do you find gives you a sense of peace?

Some people like to go for a walk. Others will head up to the mountains or out on a secluded beach. Most of us have some things we like to do (or would like to do if we could find the time) to gain a little peace in our hectic lives.

Momentary Peace
Whether you like a hike in the mountains or a soak in the tub, the problem with all these activities is that they don’t last. At some point, you have to head home. If you stay in the tub too long, you get all pruney and no one likes that. 😉 So, where can we find lasting peace?

Earthly Peace
Turn on the TV or surf the Internet for a while and you’ll find plenty of messages about finding something that offers more than a momentary sense of peace. If you just had enough money or the right car or a big enough house, you would truly have peace. If this political party wins, everything will be alright. If you get in shape or earn a college degree, you’ll be good. Yet, none of these things are eternal and eventually people find out, they don’t really fix the problem. There’s always something to steal your peace.

Maybe the answer if a new philosophy, meditation, or medication. Just learn to shrug off the problems. Repeat to yourself, “Serenity Now.” and breathe. These may help us relax a bit, but ignoring problems doesn’t lead to lasting peace.

Godly Peace
The peace of Christ is different from all these. It isn’t temporary, dependent on what you achieve, or even from yourself. Christ is eternal and His peace is as well. You don’t have to be in a certain place or doing a certain activity to have it. Christ’s peace cannot be achieved. You can’t earn it. It’s available to the most disciplined and successful among us as well as those who can’t find their keys, can’t stay on a diet, and feel like a failure.

Why?

Christ’s peace is because of who God is and what He has done. God loves us and is perfectly faithful. He demonstrated His love by sacrificing Himself on the cross, defeating death and hell. This does not change whether we go to the beach, sit in our office, or attend school. It doesn’t change if we are rich or poor, powerful or weak, healthy or sick. It’s not dependent on you.

God’s peace is from God.

Not only is God’s peace grounded in who He is and what He has done, but it is also given to us by Him. He who created us and knows us better than we know ourselves gives us this peace. In moments when we think we should be freaking out, God can come in and settle us. He can fill us with His Spirit even in the middle of a storm.

Let that peace, peace that is eternal and grounded in the love and faithfulness of God, peace that is beyond our understanding and momentary situation, fill your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Heavenly Father,

My life can get pretty hectic and even scary at times. Turn my eyes to you and fill me with Your Spirit. Please give me Your peace and let that peace rule my heart.

Amen.