Finding peace …

It seems, in 2022, there is no finding peace.

It seems as, with each passing day, some new crisis disturbs any hope of respite.

But to those who are disciples of Jesus, there is a promised peace we can know:

“I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid,” John 14:27.

The Apostle Paul even asserts that we who make up the body of Christ are called to live in peace:

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful,” Colossians 3:15.

The great mistake we make is, in this world that lacks peace, we want God to intervene so that our circumstances supply peace, but in this world the source of our peace is in Christ Himself, not our circumstances; until Jesus finally returns to restore this fallen world, our circumstances will be riddled with troubles, but that doesn’t mean we have to lack peace:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.

When I read that incredible statement of Jesus, I think of this word picture Berit Kjos shared in “A Wardrobe From the King”:

Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered.

The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled.

As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd.

A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.

The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace?

A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power.

A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.

Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

And He promises peace … “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3.

So my prayer for you is the same as that of Paul’s when closing his second letter to the Thessalonians: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all,” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Scotty