Peace

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Our pastor used this verse this morning as a reference during the sermon. I love this verse and have used it often over the years as my own personal counseling session with God. If you keep reading the next couple of verses, you get this:

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Peace is elusive in our culture. It is sometimes elusive to me in my personal life. Especially when my I start to worry, which I still do way too often. I used to wonder how I could obtain the "peace of God that passes all understanding." Finally, someone pointed me in the direction of the verse in front of the one about peace. To obtain the peace of God, I have to focus on the things of God. I can not just ask for peace, go on thinking about my perceived problems and get peace. It just doesn't work that way. I have to think of things that are true and right and lovely. Then, the peace of God steals over you. Remember, God is not in the whirlwind. He is the still small voice. The One we so often drown out with the daily issues of life.

Peace is elusive in our world. Everyone talks about "world peace." You can buy clothing with the "peace" sign on it in any store. We hear our president on the news talking about making "peace" with our enemies. Scripture uses the word peace 420 times in the King James Version. It is clear throughout that peace is not something that we find in the secular realm. We are not born a peaceful people. My 7 month old, though innocent and absolutely precious, is not naturally peaceful. We are selfish and demanding from birth, no parent of a toddler can deny it. Peace is something that we receive as a blessing from the hand of God, and to attain it, we must have reconciliation with Him, through the blood of Jesus Christ. Then, and only then will we have what it takes to focus on the things above, thus gaining the peace that passes understanding.

In this world men cry peace, but truly there is no peace. The book of Jeremiah, in chapter 8 talks about this. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace." Earlier in the chapter we see why there is no peace. "My people do not know the requirements of the LORD."

We will never find peace outside of the requirements of the Lord. That is why peace is elusive, and hear me on this - so long as we are on this earth, it always will be. There will be no peace in the Middle East. There will be no peace in the United States. There will be no peace anywhere - save in the hearts of the men and women who truly run hard after Jesus Christ. The men and women who truly embrace the power of the cross and the offerings of the Prince of Peace.

There is only One who offers true freedom. Freedom from the bonds of sin and slavery. Freedom from the torment of worry and guilt. The freedom to have peace is there, but few truly accept it. Listen to these words from Isaiah:

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound..."

These are the very words of life. These are the words that set men free. As Christmas approaches and the word "peace" is on every tongue, meditate in your heart on the Scriptures. Without Christ, there is no peace. With Him, we can have it, even in the midst of chaos, and one sweet day eternity will come, like a thief in the night, and we will be forever changed and forever Peace will reign.