Peace

What is the source of unhappiness or disquietude of the soul?

Feeling that I should be somewhere other than here; experiencing something other than what I am experiencing; more perfect than I am. Or silently dreading future pain and death; knowing that something bad is ahead. Needing to do something. Not sure if I am on track, going in the best direction. Uncertainty. Restlessness. Worrying about myself or my loved ones. Seeing the growing darkness of this world.

Any or many of these can be going on in our complex minds, creating some suffering, while we are only vaguely aware of it. A tightness in the gut, a headache, fatigue, frustration, impatience, etc. may give you a clue. Pay close attention. Are you at peace? Deeply?

Jesus said, “Peace I give to you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives.”

How does Jesus give peace?

When all those issues are resolved? When you can be sure that no difficulties lie ahead? When you can erase the fact that your body is going to die? When all is well with your loved ones? When you finally stop doing anything wrong? When your mind stops being distracted by useless or futile thoughts? When you retire or get enough money invested? When you finally get everything [or at least a few more of the most important things] fixed? When good seems to be winning over evil?

To answer “yes” to any of those questions reveals that you are seeking peace the way the “world gives”--not the way Jesus gives. And if you look deeply into that pursuit, you will see that it will never end in this life. You will never have peace in this life.

But how does Jesus give peace?

He delivers us from the world while we continue to live in it.

He makes us lie down in green pastures beside still waters. He restores our soul.

He makes us aware, ever more deeply, that He has overcome all those issues—the worries and cares of the world; the tribulations that He told us plainly that we would have—and that He is IN US! Here and now! He delivers us from tribulation while we are in the midst of tribulation. We become like air to the sticks and stones of tribulation—it passes right through us. We become like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—not only are we immune to the fires of this world, we don't even get the smell of its smoke on us! In the earthquakes of life, we walk calmly on a solid foundation. Nothing can penetrate the Light shining through us. Nothing can change who we are in Christ—an eternal child of God! We will pass through death into the perfect, eternal Light that is even now shining brighter and brighter within us.

Just now, take a few minutes to bask in the SonLight of this eternal Reality. You are eternally safe in the Love of the Creator of this universe.