Finding that elusive thing called peace by Dale Coad
I am a child of the 60s. My ordinary childhood in the "Father's Knows best" years were over-taken by the radical anti-Vietnam war years of my youth. Hippies, flower children, beatnicks were all looking for an elusive thing call peace, a peace that never came. For some it never would.
Where is peace? Some wait till everything in their life aligns to an imaginary state of ecstasy with no pain or challenges. It never comes. Others, like Jerusalem under siege, deny the severity of the moment. Disaster is imminent yet they console themselves by denying its reality. Jeremiah affirms, "They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. "'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6:14 NIV)
So where is peace? Peace is not found in some euphoric state of bliss or denying the existence of pain and sorrow. Peace is only found in centering our lives, emotions and dreams in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV)
Jesus' peace is not based on our surroundings all lining up. Peace is rooting our circumstances in His unfailing love. His perfect love casts out fear. This past week, with a mother-in-law and my own mother's health failing, I had ample reasons to be troubled and afraid. In the midst of receiving hospice notices for both, our Faithful High Priest Jesus made His Peace know. (Hebrews 4:14).
He understands. He truly does. I found that elusive thing called peace in Him.....Again. Have you?
