People on every corner of the planet have been hunting forever for inner peace. It has always failed because they were looking for the wrong thing. The futility of this search came alive in the 1970s when the Eagles shared their view of a “peaceful, easy feeling” through this lyric: I got a peaceful easy feeling ‘cause I’m already standin’ on the ground.
Finding GOD’S PEACE cannot be found under our own power by merely “being peaceful” wherever we are standing in life. But GOD does PROMISE us a “PEACE GUARANTEE.”
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Why do so many believers struggle to find and experience this promise? It revolves around EXPECTATIONS:
A believer’s struggle to find God’s peace comes down to expecting God’s PEACE to produce a different feeling than we actually feel.
God’s PEACE is not a slogan. It is not a superficial signature we put on life. It is not having life “feel peaceful.”
God’s PEACE is found at the intersection of life and its myriad challenges. Inside the tension and travail of living on this planet. On the rocky slopes of our panic and pain.
Remember, we’re talking about GOD’S PEACE here. Not a peaceful easy feeling the Eagles sang about with “sparkling earrings and a billion stars all around.”
There is nothing wrong with a wanting to experience a peaceful easy feeling in life. We all know that it’s much better than its evil twin. But Christians are searching for the kind of peace that calms our restive mind and salves our suffering soul. The kind of peace that can only come from God. After all, the world’s brand of peace is not very special if it only shows up when everything is coming up roses.
Here’s a TEST for whether you are experiencing God’s PEACE:
Does it impact those around you in ways that has them stymied about HOW and WHY you are at peace and in control of your emotions in the middle of life’s slipstream? Does it show God’s PEACE as a courage factory? An action accelerator? Inspirational ignition?
I want to live with GOD’S PEACE every day. That’s why I ask him to help me understand that it is a peace unlike the world’s version. To guide me to its peaceful state that gives me hope and strength for the world to see. And that it always glorifies YOU.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
When was the last time you felt the “real” God’s PEACE?
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
