THOUGHTS ON PEACE

If there is one thing that runs constant through our society it is that all of us want to have peace of mind.  We want to be at peace, not war.  We want bickering to end; we want skirmishes and conflicts to cease.  We want to know what it is to be at peace.

I've heard this desire for peace described in many different ways.  One would think that there was more than one kind of peace.  I have heard so many different types described, such as national peace, political peace, military peace, physical peace, emotional/mental peace, marital peace, parental peace, fiscal peace.   Although it may sound like there are a whole host of different kinds of peace, there are really only two.  All of these listed fall into one of two categories.

Let me describe them this way:

Circumstantial peace - that which depends upon the circumstances being pleasant

Substantial peace - that peace which is present in spite of circumstances

Now, I suspect that there are some of you who are already way ahead of me and you are asking yourself this question: "Can it be real peace if it is dependent upon the circumstances?"

If you have raced ahead to ask that question, let me encourage you.  You are right.  Real peace, the kind that brings real security, based on a real assurance that all is well, is not a peace based on circumstances being pleasant, but is present in spite of the circumstances of life.

Some of you have rightly realized that though I have described two kinds of peace, only one is real.  Only that peace which is there in spite of the circumstances is real peace.

Despite what anyone tells you, the only ones with that kind of peace are those who are peace with themselves because they are at peace with God.

The only way to peace with God, is through the reconciliation of His Son Jesus.

The only way to know that reconciliation is to surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Peace is there for those willing to trust Him who is our peace.