Dear Family and Friends,

Today let’s talk about another gift from God, a gift often left forgotten. A gift called peace.

But not the kind of peace commonly referred to as world peace. The peace we all want for Ukraine is good but it has its limitations.

World peace is fleeting. History has repeatedly proven that world peace can disappear virtually overnight.

World peace is contingent, balanced on the frailty of such things as economic and social stability, and a leader’s ego.

World peace is in reality a standoff, built on a mutual understanding that I won’t nuke you if you don’t nuke me.

World peace may make us feel safe, but it’s temporary.

Let’s instead talk about a kind of peace that’s different from the world’s.

One that’s eternal, that transcends all understanding, that can overcome the chaos of this world.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ESV

The peace of God is permanent and eternal.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”  Isaiah‬ ‭54:10‬ NIV

The peace of God will never waver.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ NIV

The peace of God is trustworthy.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ NIV

So, how do we find this peace? The same way we find our joy. Trusting God and obeying Him.

Trusting

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” ‭‭ Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ NIV

To keep our minds steadfast means to keep our focus on God.

Have you ever noticed how trouble tends to draw our attention? For example, do you find yourself checking those huge gas price signs as you drive around town?

Matthew 14:25-31 tells the story of Peter walking on water towards Jesus. At first, all was well, “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:30‬ NIV

I suspect we have all done what Peter did, not the part where he walked on water, but the part when he sank. All because we gazed at our troubles and took our eyes off the Lord.

It’s almost instinctive that we pay attention to our troubles. But as we do, our focus shifts away from God.

When we are able to look beyond our circumstances, and instead focus our minds on God and trust that He will help us through our troubles, God promises we will experience His perfect peace.

Obeying

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” ‭ Philippians‬ ‭4:9‬ NIV

The Greek word translated into ‘practice’ (prassete), which appears only twice in the New Testament, means to perform a deed regularly, like a routine or habit.

Our grandson started taking karate lessons recently and has already earned his first colored belt, yellow. From what I understand, these belts symbolize the growth of a person both inside and outside the dojo; growth achievable only through repetition and practice. We’re so proud of him. 

As mentioned earlier, we are naturally inclined to focus on our troubles. With practice we can break free of our natural first reaction and trust the Lord instead. 

Practice is what turns the unnatural commandments of Jesus into natural reactions to life’s circumstances.

Practice is how we transform into the likeness of Christ.

How we can love those we rather not. Find joy when there’s nothing to be happy about. Be patient with those who seem to not care. Be kind to those who can use a hand in life. Be good towards others, putting their needs before our own. And much more.

Jesus tells us we don’t have to live as the world lives. Stress and anxiety doesn’t have to rule our lives.

He gave us His peace. It’s now up to us to give peace a chance. 

Let’s close with this prayer from Numbers 6.

May the Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make His face shine on us and be gracious to us; the Lord turn His face toward us and give us peace.

In love always,