Peace

During holiday times many seek to go to quiet places hoping to find peace. This is usually somewhere away from their everyday work, home, and family, and sometimes away from all other people. But it’s not only people who’re looking for peace, but also governments, institutions, communities, and families.

Yet, despite all the efforts of the world there’s still no peace. Or maybe I should say the peace the world gives is only temporary. But Jesus said He didn’t want to give us the peace that the world gives, but His peace. It’s not a temporary peace or a short break from our troubles. It’s a deeper peace that’s not influenced by our surroundings or circumstances.

Recently during the world cup, in the big arena amid a lot of noise and cheering, a little bird stood on the goal post for a long time. It looked settled and happy despite all the noise and commotion of the game. Many have had different thoughts about this, but I learnt something very important out of it. It spoke to me of the peace that Jesus gives. It’s an inner peace in the middle of the storm. Jesus said ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).

Yes, we shall have troubles in this world, sometimes even big troubles. But in the midst of the trouble we can have peace, and this peace overcomes everything. It transcends even our own understanding. It’s peace in the core of our being, in our spirit.

‘My peace I give you’. Jesus gives us His peace. In a stormy sea He slept in a boat and the storm grew so violent that His disciples feared they would drown. Where was Jesus? Sleeping! That’s the peace He had and that’s the peace He gives to us.

Prayer: Lord, I give You my fears and anxieties and I open my heart to receive the peace that You give me. Please help me to know the depth of this peace in my life even in the midst of storm and turmoil. Thank You, Lord, Amen.