In midst of today’s crazy world most people long for their usual troubles and problems of everyday living. Now, we not only have the ordinary troubles of life, we are dealing with Corona virus. It is getting better, but will it come back?  Will life ever return to normal after all the restrictions and unemployment?

With the part of demonstrations across our land that are destroying property and getting violent—will they stop? Or will they get more violent?

Will the animosity, and disdain between the political parties ever be healed?  Do they care about the people they are supposed to serve in this country?  Or is it all just about their own party and interests?

No one knows.

Jesus told us in the word that men’s (and women’s) hearts would fail them for what they see happening. No one can deny the world has never been such a mess.

But, Jesus also told us we can have peace in the midst of the storms surrounding us.

Well-meaning people can tell us not to worry, to relax, take it easy, this too will pass—have peace- everything is going to be alright.  It sounds good but they never tell you how to get there.

It is only when a person has the means of solving the problem facing us that they can say, have peace – as they hand the money for the mortgage payment you need.  Or, say I’m the doctor who can operate on your child – for free – to take care of his chronic  condition. At times, wonderful things like this have happened. However, sure as the sun rises there will be another day, and another problem to wipe out your peace.

True peace is the peace you have within when everything is falling apart around you.

The God who created us didn’t create us to have stress, or anxiety or worry. But, unfortunately, Adam and Eve blew it for themselves, and for rest of us. This world which is now in sin mode is filled with opportunities for lack of peace.

Our hearts are fear-prone. When Adam and Eve were in the garden they never had fear, or worry or anxiety – it was a sin-free zone and God was with them.

It was as good as good can get and better. Peace and joy reigned. There was no need of a counsellor, therapy or tranquilizers. Again, it was sin-free, worry-free zone.  The world will never be like that again until the Lord comes back and makes all things right.

However, for those who know the Lord, by the new birth, we can walk in that same peace no matter what is going on. (If you don’t know the Lord, or are not sure – read at the end of this blog how to become a child of God.)

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace.

He didn’t say just the Prince of Peace when things are going good and smooth. He is our Prince of Peace, our source of security and peace in the center of the storms of life. I once saw a picture which showed me how we can as a child of God have peace no matter. It was a picture of a war torn city in the mid-east. There were army tanks in the streets with men on top shooting at the war destroyed building windows. Bullets were shooting back out from the windows.

Bullets where flying everywhere. People were hunkered down hiding – some ran trying to get away from the shooting. In center of this picture in the street was a man with two small children. He was carrying one, and another he held by his hand. He was ducking and running.

Remember bullets were everywhere. In the midst of this chaos – the man fleeing for his life, and the life of these two children – these two kids where fooling with each other – smiling like they were enjoying a day in the neighbor park.

How could this ever be! It was because these children were in the hands and arms of their father. The father who they loved and trusted would take care of them no matter what.

How much more will our Father in heaven take care of us! Especially in the midst of the storms of life around us, and the storms within.

How much more able is He—able to watch over us, to carry us if He has to, hold us by the hand—and give us peace.

This Prince of Peace says – My Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. *

We can have peace because He is our peace.  Our part is to believe it. Believe He is truth.  Believe His word is true. Believe that what He promises He will do.

He has given us peace.  We have to hold on to it when our eyes go to the sights around us  or our thoughts roam to what has, or will, or could happen. It’s called faith. Remember without faith you cannot please God.**  Without faith you will fold under the pressure. It is faith in Him, and in is love for you.

To have peace—keep your eyes on Him and His all sufficient promises and presence.

Isaiah the prophet tell us that God will keep whoever’s mind is centered/stayed on Him in perfect peace, because we trust in Him. Trust in the LORD forever, For in the LORD, is everlasting strength. ***

So—the choice is yours and mine.  Will we put our eyes on reality around us, or on what we think will happen—with the resulting fears and anxiety etc.

Or, will we keep our eyes on Him.  As the dark clouds surround us, and maybe we can’t see, but we will know He’s always holding our hand –therefore we have peace.

Choose the peaceful stress-free-zone.

***

Plan of Salvation – the Way to Peace with God.

#1. God loves you. ¹For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

#2. We are all sinners separated from God
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

#3. God showed His love for us by sending His Son to die for us.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

#4. Jesus is the only way to God.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV)

#5. If you believe in Him, and His resurrection, you can ask and receive His forgiveness and He will come into your life by the Holy Spirit.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: John 1:12 (NKJV)

#6. Just tell Him in your own words that you want to turn from your sinful ways to Him. Thank Him for dying for you and forgiving your sins. Give your life the best you can to Him. Ask Him to come into your life and to help you live in a way pleasing to Him.  (And He will hear you and come into your life.)

Ephesians 2:8-9   For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹  not of works, lest anyone should boast.

*John 14:26-27

**Hebrews 11:6

***Is 26:3-4