Peace not Tranquility

I would like to tell you today about the word peace. Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines peace as follows; "a state of quiet or tranquility: freedom from disturbances and agitation by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like. Quietness of mind, calmness." I think that is a pretty good definition. I must start by telling you that there are different types of peace. There is also two different views on peace; there is the world's vision and there is the biblical vision of peace. The world's vision is peace on earth, all the different societies of the world living in harmony, the absence of criminal activity, you know " I'd like to buy the world a coke" kinda peace. If we are totally honest and objective we know that kinda peace will never be accomplished. There is a verse I need to share with you right about now; Matt. 10: 34-36, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father; a daughter against her mother; and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law and a man's enemies will be those of his own household. " I know right about now you're saying that doesn't sound like peace. I want to now zero in on the differences between the world's view of peace in contrast to the biblical view of peace. The world's view is based on our feelings and emotions, what we can see and feel. We all project those feelings and emotions on to the world around us. Many have fought many battles to produce and maintain what the world defines as peace. Many have paid the ultimate price for their pursuit of peace. Yet we would have to agree that all of mankind's efforts to achieve peace, all through human history, they have all failed miserably. Soooo let's look at what scripture has to say. Psalm 85:8 " I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to His people, His faithful servants " Isaiah 12:2. " Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, himself is my strength and my defense." Psalm 23. " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the path of righteousness, for his name sake yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me , you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies your anoint my head with oil, my cup runneth over, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." In reading these verses I hope you can see that the biblical view is more spiritual than emotional. Yes I would agree that the spiritual most certainly effects the emotional. We must remember biblical peace is much more targeted and personal. The peace that God provides is for those who are His, those who believe in Him and trust in Him. This peace still does not promise peace and tranquility in the world around us. What it does provide is an inner peace and tranquility within. In the world we live in, that can be priceless. In a world where everything is out of control, and spiraling downwards with every passing moment, the biblical form peace gives us the strength and the courage to face anything that may come. I think that most of you know that I lost my wife nearly three years ago, without the peace that surpasses all understanding I am not sure what might have become of me. Don't get me wrong, every time I think of her I am a mess emotionally but God has provided me with the strength and motivation to continue and has comforted me and given me peace; a peace that gives me rest from all the pain and anguish that this world can throw at me. This is the key to biblical peace. There will be no peace as the world views it, but biblical peace can provide us peace in the midst of turmoil. We can have peace in this world through Jesus Christ. The peace to know that whatever we may face in our lives we can rest safely in His arms knowing that no matter how hard or ugly our lives are, He will give us peace and rest even in the darkness of days. God never promised that life would be easy,as a matter of fact it's quite the opposite, John 16: 32-33 ; " Indeed The hour is coming, yes has now come that you will be scattered each to his own and will leave me alone, and yet I am not alone because the Father is with me , these things I have spoken to you that in me, you may have peace , in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world. " Clearly we all have tribulations in this world but we have a promise of rest. Scripture also says that He will never leave us or abandon us. No matter what we may encounter He will always be with us. Please find your peace in Jesus Christ today. This is the most important thing you can do in your life. Placing your faith in Christ will bring you peace and joy and strength to know that He is always with you no matter what! When you read the Psalms you will see David find strength and peace at the very worst times and the very best times. May the God of all bring you peace and joy and strength! I love you all and never fail to mention you in my prayers!