Peace Man

"Peace" is a saying that gained speed in the 1970's from hippies in flower painted vans. Everywhere they went, they were trying to spread a message of love and peace. "Love everybody," they would say, and, "Peace man," in both coming and going. They had the right idea through trying to fill the void in their lives with peace and love to everyone, except many didn't have the right source of peace to calm their always troubled heart. They shared an empty peace.

The Lord Jesus on His last night before being betrayed told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." (John 14:27) I can tell you frommy experience that this isn't an ordinary peace, but rather one that calmed a troubled soul on a night 13 years ago this month. Instead of knowing that an eternity in hell was in the makings, I found peace. The peace is a result of knowing that there was a horrific scene of darkness, pain, agony and death all for and because of my sins. That spring evening, a soul filled with terror was transformed into one overflowing with joy.

The Lord goes on to say, "not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (John 14:27) This peace isn't the peace you can find in finding a quiet house after a noisy day. We might try to say it is like watching a calm river flow gently with the backdrop of a magnificent sunset, but our feeble attempts to make an analogy fall well short. The earth can show us peace, but it doesn't compare. The world might try to give us peace through the almighty dollar, but the economies of the world fail. Families give us peace until the coldness of death rips loved ones from our realm into the next.

Then finally, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) His peace is so wonderful and marvelous. There is no better feeling than knowing that your sins are forgiven. That same Lord who is omnipotent has comforted us by letting us know that He has left His peace with us.

How amazing it is. In times of any problem, we know that we have a Lord and Saviour who loves us and cares for us. We can go to Him at anytime, any place and in any situation knowing that He'll hear our prayers. It's a peace that is beyond our understanding. It's a peace that guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. There is no peace without a Saviour. Peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7