If asked what their greatest need is, humanity would probably say, “To be loved and to have peace.” They share this intimate detail with longing in their voice and a vague sense of hopelessness, as if they truly believe they will never acquire either one of them in their life. It is a far off dream that is conceivable only in their mind’s eye: a wisp, a vapor of an idea that is just beyond their grasp. They come to this hopelessness due to the millennia of time these very prizes were sought and lost by them, as well as so many others before them.
There is a remnant of
humanity, however, that walks in perfect love and peace. They shine as lights
in this world of darkness and they attempt to light the candle of life in all
of those within their circle of relationships. Striving endlessly, they desire
to impart to everyone they meet the secret they found to securing these prized
possessions for themselves. They have no desire to keep these treasures hidden,
but to share them with anyone humble enough to receive them.
There is very little peace
in this world, but we can find a facsimile of it from time to time. Only the
humble may receive the key to unlock the door to this utopian existence. If
there is an ounce of rebellion in the soul of the seeker, there is no hope that
they will enter this illusive door to eternal love and peace. No amount of
money, status, possessions or people in our life is gratifying apart from this
deep inner peace. This tranquility that we all covet only comes from one place,
the Spirit of God.
The door to Utopia is Jesus
Christ, and the way to enter the door is to repent of all self-centeredness in
exchange for total Christ-centeredness. Living a life hidden with Christ in God
(Colossians
3:3) is the only way that we will enter
this eternal realm of unconditional love and peace. The Kingdom of God is not
centered on earthly values and activities, but is full of righteousness, peace
and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17-19).
Living in total submission
to God’s Will for our life is a fearful realm to enter. We think of all the
scenarios that God could put us in, if we totally surrender to Him, and we
blanch at the possibilities. We hear of people selling all they have and moving
to remote countries to preach the gospel. We hear of top executives leaving
their lucrative professions and taking on the challenge of pastoring a poor
little congregation on the edge of some small, remote town.
Jesus proclaimed Himself as
the only way, truth and life (John 14:6).
Jesus gives us His peace that surpasses anything this world has to offer,
because He already overcame the world (John 14:27, 16:33). If we depart from evil, do good, seek peace and
pursue it, we will find it in Jesus Christ (Psalm 34:14). The Lord gives strength to His people and blesses
His people with peace (Psalm 28:11).
The future of the man who
walks in holiness is peace (Psalm 37:37).
Those who love God’s law have great peace, and nothing will cause them to
stumble (Psalm 119:165). If
we keep our mind focused on God throughout the day and trust in Him, He will
keep us in His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
He is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore our heart will never be troubled or afraid,
when our mind is focused on God (John 14:1, 27).
We go throughout our day
with joy, because He leads us by His peace (Isaiah 55:12). We are filled with all joy and peace because we
believe in Him, and this hope abounds in us by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). In eternity, the mountains and the hills will break
out in song and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands together in
worship, as every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord (Isaiah 55:12; 45:23).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we have no need
to be anxious about anything. In every situation, we can communicate with You,
thank You and petition You for all of our requests. Your peace, which
transcends human understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Your
power within us (Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7). You have only our good in mind. You provide for all
of our needs. You require all, but You give us all in return.
Thought for the Day:
The Prince of Peace came as
a child to give us peace for eternity. - Isaiah 9:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:16
