Peace

Peace is lacking. That is no shock to anyone in our country and world right now. Peace has never been worldwide and abundant. Not since the fall of man in the garden.

How do we try to find peace?

If you are in the world, we are finding peace by fighting. We go out in the world wanting to make peace forcefully. I am not going to take a political stance on anything happening in the world because to be completely honest, I have no idea the status of things at the moment. I deleted all social media and have spent the past week or two in my own little world. I needed peace. The peace I needed was not fought for with violence; it is being fought for spiritually.

Peace is an eternal matter. Peace comes only through the Prince of Peace. He says we will not go without tribulation, but we have to take heart because He has already overcome the world. (John 16:33)

This little sabbath I have been taking feels safe. I have dwelt in peace and safety. (Psalm 4:8) I'm not saying this is a move everyone should take right now but I think at some point, yes definitely, do it. For all the people out there peacefully trying to work toward a better society, a better world, I applaud you. Keep on in peace and courage.

“And he said, ‘O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.' And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, 'Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.’ ”- Daniel 10:19

There are three areas I have found I need peace most and they are also the areas I tend to lack peace the most when I try to fill them myself.

• Peace of mind.

• Peace in life (and death).

• Peace in planning.

Peace of mind meaning I can find peace from anxiety, depression, guilt, grief, etc. I don't have to have these feelings of discontentment because I know that was already taken care of. My peace of mind comes in knowing that this is all seasonal. Emotions don't and can't reign over my life. (John 14:27)

Peace in life and death meaning I know this world is not my home. I am here to bring glory to the kingdom of God and to be the best ambassador I can be for Christ. I mess it up a lot, but He is merciful. I know where I can rest. There is no losing, only winning. If I die, I get to spend eternity in Heaven with the Creator of the universe. My life has peace because I am healed by His wounds. (Isaiah 53:5)

Peace in planning meaning I don't always have to know what is happening next. This one is the hardest for me. I like to be in the know. I like structure and a plan and then a few backup plans. If I am living His plan for my life, I won't need a backup. I have had to surrender that all to Jesus. Not keeping a little piece for yourself is hard. Keeping a piece does not bring peace. He goes before me. He is working for me. He will not let me fall. The only planning, I need to do is planning for peace. (Proverbs 12:20)

Peace is mentioned in the KJV 429 times. Proverbs 3:17-18 says "Her ways are pleasantness and her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her." She is called blessed because of her peace. Peace is needed and brings us joy and rest. Let's strive for peace. You don't have to look very far, just look up; He's waiting.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”- 2 Corinthians 13:11

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”- 2 Thessalonians 3:16