April 3, 2017 - Peace, or the lack of it, is a word that we have been hearing a lot about in the news lately. It seems that everyone in the world is angry with one another. We desperately seek peace. We have diplomats that are trained in trying to broker "peace treaties" between warring countries, and we personally, just want peace in our lives. So if everybody wants it, and we are constantly seeking it, why does it allude us so? Where can we find peace ? That is the question we are going to answer today.
First we have to answer the question; What is peace? Peace is the third listed fruit of the Spirit after love and joy. Its the overwhelming sense of security that no matter what's happening around you, you are safe. There is a painting titled "Peace". It depicts a terrible storm with waves crashing against jagged rocks. You can just feel the winds howling in the scene. It is anything but peaceful. But down in the corner of the painting, tucked away in the rocks is a small bird sitting on her nest totally oblivious to the storm around her . That's real peace. Security in the face of adversity.
OK, so where do we find the peace that everyone is so desperately looking for and needs? It can only be found one place. The One whom God sent ;" Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be on His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9: 6). You see peace , the kind that sustains, comforts, and lasts is a gift from God. Until we seek peace from the only one who can give it we will be in constant turmoil.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. Therefore it is a product of the relationship we have with the Lord. The deeper the relationship, the greater the peace. I spent a lot of time at sea when I was a young man. One thing I learned about the ocean; the deeper you go the calmer it is. There can be a hurricane on the surface but when you go down a few feet below the surface you can hardly tell whats happening on top of the water. The deeper you go the more peaceful it gets. The same is true with life. The deeper your relationship with God the less the storms of life bother you. You rest assured that He is going to take care of you. Jesus promised in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;".
You can have that peace. Trust Jesus when he says: " These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace." (Jn. 16:33). Jesus loves you and wants to give you that "Peace that passes all understanding". Ask and it can be yours.
I'm Just Sayin
Mike Belgard
