Peace…ah, peace. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little peace? It sounds good, doesn’t it? Yet peace seems to be in short supply these days.
Around the world, nations are at war with each other. In our own nation political parties throw accusations back and forth.
But we don’t have to look that far, do we? We see it in our own lives. The boss is upset. The employees are griping with one another, and you want to get away for a moment’s peace.
In our homes, husbands and wives bicker. Children and parents cast blame on each other.
It’s even in our churches. Someone says something we don’t like. Someone does something that bothers us. People threaten to leave.
Too often, I’m not even at peace with myself. There’s also somewhere else to go, someone else to see, something else to do. Our lives are stretched to the breaking point.
Ah, for some peace.
Today’s text reminds us that there is peace available. But it doesn’t come about by finally getting everyone agree with us. It doesn’t come about through better laws or regulations. It’s not even found by isolating ourselves from the problems of the world.
This peace comes from God. Paul calls this peace from God a peace “which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Because this peace does not come from an absence of conflict—it comes from the presence of God.
Today you will experience conflict in one way or another. But we can experience the peace on the inside, even while conflict rages around us, if we allow God to quiet our lives and fill them with peace.
Father, fill our hearts with peace. Help us speak words of peace. Guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.
Terry Seufferlein
Central Church of Christ
Terry - "...peace with myself..." That is so good. Even as Followers of Christ, we will have trials and tribulations....but the Lord of Lords promises us His peace.....as you ended your entry, we do need to ask...in faith. He is more than willing to give His peace to us. When we do, the trials become trails to "a new place" in God. BC
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