Peace
"World peace" is 'an ideal of freedom, peace, and happiness among and within all nations and/or people. [It] is an idea of planetary non-violence by which nations willingly cooperate, either voluntarily or by virtue of a system of governance that prevents warfare. The term is sometimes used to refer to a cessation of all hostility among all individuals' [from Wikipedia, the always-trustworthy source. *ahem*].
Metta World Peace is an NBA pro-basketballer, with the LA Lakers. Before he legally changed his name in Sept. 2011, he was Ron Artest, Jr. Mr. World Peace is known by his reputation as an athlete (as one of the NBA's premier defensive players) as well as his reputation as a person (as a part of several controversial on-court incidents/brawls, as well as his somewhat eccentric, outspoken behavior). Interesting, Mr. Peace.
"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing," wrote C. S. Lewis.
So it is unlikely - no, impossible - that peace can be found anywhere outside of God.
Those who are true peacemakers are blessed, and will be called God's own children [Matthew 5:9].
Peace is found in Jesus Christ, who asks us to come to Him, "all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". His burden for us is not really a burden at all, but is easy and light, because as we walk with Him, we learn from Him, for He is "gentle and lowly in heart, and [we] will find rest for [our] souls" [Matthew 11:28-30, ESV].
Jesus left us His peace - giving it to us. It is NOT like the so-called peace of the world. So, we shouldn't be troubled in our hearts or afraid, because He has done this for us [John 14:27].
Jesus has already overcome the world, so our trials should not dishearten us, because in Jesus we may have peace [John 16:33].
Jesus' first greeting to His followers after His resurrection was, "Peace be with you" [John 20:19, ESV].
We should not "be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" we should let our "requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" [Philippians 4:6-7].
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ... So let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" [Romans 14:17-19, ESV].
"Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you" [2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV].
"May grace and peace be multiplied to you" [1 Peter 1:2, ESV].
"God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation" [Isaiah 12:2, ESV].
"Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" [Romans 5:1, ESV].
"God has called you to peace" [1 Corinthians 7:15, ESV].
"... a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" [James 3:18, ESV].
"... to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace" [Romans 8:6, ESV].
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" [Colossians 3:15, ESV].
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" [Isaiah 9:6, ESV].
So what is peace?
It is the assurance that is found only in God, through Jesus Christ His Son, that no matter what our situations, God is with us, loving us, caring for us - probably in ways we don't understand - because He has chosen to do so.
I can honestly say I have peace because I have Christ Jesus in my life. He is my Savior, my Lord, my God.
Do YOU have peace?
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