Many people do not even hope to find love and joy, for both seem impossible to them; however, they would give everything in exchange for peace. Some people think money can help them find peace and solve their problems. But even if all the weapons were removed from the face of the earth and all the nations developed a friendly relationship, we would still not achieve the peace we so desperately need. The peace I’m talking about is not just a lack of conflict and a sensation of well-being, but perfect inner tranquility.
Jesus said: “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.” 1
I found peace. I can pinpoint the day when I sensed the power of peace, when God broke through the hardness of my heart. I didn’t think my heart was hard until the hardness was gone. Then peace fully existed without depending on circumstances, material possessions, or the acceptance of others. It was there because of the presence of God alone. That was my day of freedom. My personal Independence Day.
But I lost my way. I’ve done many things I’m not proud of and am now in prison. When I was caught, God was giving me another chance. He was telling me, I have given My Spirit to live in you, if you will travel through life with Me. I will teach you what to do and help you when you are about to get off the path. I will even set you in the right direction when you take a wrong turn.
God wants us to be free from the burdens of the past so we can move on. This is His gift of peace.
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“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.”—Thomas Watson (c. 1620–1686)
“Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God. Peace is the consequence of forgiveness, God’s removal of that which obscures His face and so breaks union with Him.”—Charles H. Brent (1862–1929)
“Real contentment must come from within. You and I cannot change or control the world around us, but we can change and control the world within us.”—Warren Wiersbe (b. 1929)
- John 14:27 NLT↑