A Different Peace - Martin Wiles

The peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT

I’ve often thought if I could avoid financial crunches, I would experience peace. Having enough to pay the monthly obligations with adequate left over for investments, hobbies, entertainment, and savings. Surely, I’d be at peace. A trouble-free marriage would also bring peace. Both mates get along, never fight, and have a couple of complacent kids to boot. What better picture of tranquility?

Of course, we also look for a peaceful retirement. Not having to work until we die or become unable to work. Social Security not running dry before we can draw out what we’ve invested during our working careers. Hoping it will be sufficient monthly to cover what expenses we’ll still have. Doing what we want when we want with no one to tell us differently. Ah, the life. Peace.

While the above scenarios might bring peaceful circumstances, there’s no guarantee we would grasp serenity. Inner turmoil can still rage where financial solidity, marital stability, and retirement security exist. Jesus proposes peace within such circumstances but also apart from them. The above is the type of peace the world promises. All things must be in place to experience it—no troubles, trials, or stressors. Jesus’ peace is radically different. Some might classify it as odd.

Jesus’ peace has nothing to do with circumstances and everything to do with relationship and understanding. God created us to have a relationship with Him. When sin severs that connection—which it does for every person born—we are robbed of peace. We search for it in financial security, relationships, substances, and entertainment but never find it. Or if we think we have, we soon discover it’s only temporary. Soon, we’ll want a different toy.

Jesus sends His Spirit to give us what no other play toys or circumstances can: lasting peace. A soothing calmness in the face of danger, adversity, and hostile situations. A peace unlike any the world can offer or understand. A gentle reassurance that all things are in His hands—and we are, too. A peace we can’t understand or even explain, but when we have it, we aren’t troubled or afraid. We know He is in control.

Let God give you this different type of peace.

Father, thank You for giving a peace that pervades regardless of my circumstances. 

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