And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
The Personnel Journal reported this incredible statistic: since the beginning of recorded history, the entire world has been at peace less than eight percent of the time! In its study, the periodical discovered that of 3530 years of recorded history, only 286 years saw peace. Moreover, in excess of 8000 peace treaties were made--and broken (Moody Bible Institute, Today in The Word, June 1988, p.33).
From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, peace became a rare commodity. For this reason, humanity craves peace. Nation rises against nation in search of peace. Neighbors seek to live in peace with one another. Families pursue peace in relations with one another. We work from sun up to sundown, in search of financial peace. Others practice transcendental meditation in search of inner peace, and the harder we chase after peace, the more we discover that true peace cannot be grasped, it can only be received. It is the gift of God. Peace is a gift so valuable that it caused Matthew Henry the famous minister and author to say, “Peace is such a precious jewel, that I would give anything for it but truth.”
The Holy Bible is filled with scriptures about true peace. The scriptures help us understand where peace comes from. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).” The apostle Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). The Psalmist states: “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11).” And Paul reminds us, "The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means" (2 Thess. 3:16)”
Are you looking for peace in your life? Peace does not come from any external circumstance, but rather from knowing Jesus, intimately. He alone is our peace. Peace may have eluded you in the past, but today, God wants to bestow his peace upon you. He says, “Draw near to me, and I will give you peace that surpasses all understanding.” Don’t waste another moment trying to earn his peace. Calvary sealed the deal for all who put their trust in Him. Let that peace be yours today; let it wash over your heart and mind as you rest in Him.
Dear God, thank you so much for the gift of your peace. Cleanse every anxiety from my heart and mind and teach me to rest in your perfect peace. I cast all my cares upon you. Help me to leave my burdens in your hands. Amen.