"Peace"

  "I wish I could find peace of mind!" Have you ever said that or heard someone say that? People strain for peace but it seems to evade so many. People become worn, frazzled and in search of this state of peace and happiness. Why can't it be found by many? Because peace cannot be built, earned or attained by human efforts. Peace is the result of Christ! Peace is the result of the grace of God! It has nothing to do with circumstances in life. Jesus spoke to His disciples: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Paul taught the Christian's at Ephesus: "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall." (Eph. 2:14) To the Colossians we find: "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." (Col. 3:15) Peace is found some 88 times in the New Testament alone!

  Peace is "totality, wholeness and balance." Peace is from God through Christ and never from man. It is given, not attained by any effort on our part. It can only be received! It is peace that comes from Christ, knowing that one is safe in what the Lord has accomplished for us. People run from one thing to another hoping to find peace of mind. Pills, psychologists, support groups, you name it are where people look and believe they will find peace. The moment the pills wear off, the counseling is over and the support groups break up, its all back to you! One place that is not looked is Jesus. People simply don't believe Him but believe in the other elements. Christ is the only One that introduces us to God's grace and peace is the result of standing in His grace. (Rom. 5:1-2)

 Peace is beyond the thoughts of man. Peace is not in man, in treaties, in the absence of conflicts. Just look all the peace talks that take place in certain areas of our world. While terms of peace are discussed, war is still taking place and the next move is being planned. It is impossible to have peace without the God of peace. "...and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isa. 9:6) 

   Peace is the result of righteousness. God counts one righteous through Christ and peace comes to the inner being. How often do we pray for peace yet little for righteousness? Righteousness is where one is being brought into a right relationship with God. The result: PEACE. Trying to attain to peace by changing your environment or circumstances without coming to Jesus is impossible. Holiness and purity are the result of the cleansing blood of Jesus knowing you have been counted as righteous. Peace enters the heart. A person practicing sin will never find peace! "But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'" (Isa. 57:20-21)

  The Father loved us so much by sending His Son on our behalf and offers us His peace to dwell within us. The fruit of the Spirit is peace. The peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding is what guards the mind and heart of those in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7) We sing about it: "When peace like a river attendeth my way..."Peace, perfect peace, in this dark wold of sin: the blood of Jesus whispers peace within." "There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God." Peace! Peace! It's only found in Jesus and looking anywhere else is useless.