Meditations

TRUE PEACE PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU, MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU, NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES DO I GIVE TO YOU John 14, 27 Every one of us is searching for peace, but we do not always search for it where it can be found. The peace that the world hopes for is as different and as removed from the peace that comes from as God Himself is different and removed from the world. To put it another way, the world promises peace, but never gives it. The world does offer a few passing pleasures, but those pleasures cost far more than they are worth. Jesus alone can give peace to mankind. He brings us into harmony with Himself. He brings our passions into submission. He sets limits to our desires. He comforts us through the hope of riches that will never perish. He gives us the joy of the Holy Spirit, and causes us to taste that inner joy even when we are suffering. The spring that produces peace cannot run dry, and the depths of the soul in which it resides cannot be reached by all of humanity's evil. Therefore, for the righteous person, it becomes a treasure that no one can take away. True peace can be found only in possessing God, and possessing God here in this life can be found only in submission to faith and obedience to God's law. Both of these things reflect a pure and unalloyed love in the depths of the heart. Therefore, thrust away all forbidden things. Cut out all unlawful desires. Dismiss all your bustling about and your worrying. Desire only God, seek only God, and you will enjoy peace in spite of the world. What is troubling you? Poverty, ridicule, failure, inward and outward crosses? Look on these things as genuine favors from the hand of God, distributed to His friends, favors that He allows you to share. Then the world will change complexion, and nothing will take away your peace.