Finding Peace

‘The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.’ Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

Have you been searching for peace?  Many of us have seasons where peace seems to escape us.  And I think in these troubling times, along with the everyday issues that accompany life, some of us are prone to sleepless nights, difficult days, and that constant feeling in the pit of our stomachs that something bad is about to happen.

The uneasiness some of us experience is unsettling, to say the least.  I know when I am going through it, that is exactly how I feel…unsettled.  It’s like I can’t get a handle on the normal daily things I do, week in and week out.  I can’t concentrate, and I am on edge.  That is the best word that describes what I feel, edge.  On edge.  Waiting to either step up and away from the uneasiness, or waiting to fall off the precipice, to spiral downward, away from all hope of rescue.

All people, of faith and not of faith, experience the lack of peace in their lives at different times.  Peace is a commodity that is in high demand by all.  For those without Christ, they may look at things that could bring some peace.  These things may be expensive toys or clothing, or maybe a secure savings account, or stocks and bonds.  Or, peace might be found by some in another person.  When we value the friendship, or an even closer relationship, of a person, when they acknowledge they feel the same way, we experience a sense of peace.  As long as the relationship is in a good place, the peace remains.  But if it falters, that peace will show how truly fragile it is.

God has peace for each one of us.  His peace is better than things.  His peace is better than money, or anything it can buy.  His peace comes from trusting Him, completely, and turning over all our uneasiness and worry to Him.  He has promised to be our Peace.  And He has more than enough peace for every person on the face of this planet, if they would simply reach out and receive it.

Jesus speaks about peace, while not mentioning the actual word, in Matthew 11:30: ‘Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’ 

To have peace is to be able to find rest.  To be at peace is to feel a lightness, all heaviness gone.  To live in peace is to be free to love and be loved.  Only Jesus can provide this kind of peace.  He offers it every single day.  It is free.  It is lovely.  It is sweet and it uplifts the heart.  The way to that peace is to find Jesus, to know Him as Savior, to confess sin, and to accept His control over our lives.  Once we have done that, whenever we need peace, it is ours.

‘I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.’ Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

Blessings!