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Mahatma Gandhi said, “Peace is its own reward.” George Michael said, “You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.” J. Donald Walters said, “You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory.” From the Dalai Lamas, “World peace begins with inner peace”, to Budhas, “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without”, peace seems to be the one thing we can all agree on. Jesus, The Prince of Peace, said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace in this world (John 16:33).” Peter challenges in 1 Peter 5:7 to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Jesus promises these words, “Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left – feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught (John 14:27, MSG).”

What is it that brings you peace of mind? For some it is a quiet walk through the woods. For some it is the calming waters on a lake, by a stream or river, or sitting on the sand watching the waves crash and slowly roll on shore. Every human loves those peaceful moments. We all have in our head the thoughts of those places and times we felt peace. We long for those moments where our mind can rest and we feel the calming comfort we love so much. Why is it then that we spend more time watching, doing, listening to items that rob us of this peace? Why do we waste time dwelling on social media, news, and other items that steal away the peace our heart needs? Why allow your mind to race with stresses and anxieties you cannot control? STOP! For the love of all that is good and holy, stop. Stop wasting time doing things that are of no benefit to your heart, mind, soul, strength. I love how 2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us how Gods power is made perfect in our weakness. Fill your time and idle mind with things that bring you HIS calming comfort. Seek the peace God alone can give by accepting Him as Savior through life, love, baptism. As Paul tells the Roman church in Romans 8:6, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Father, fill our heart with Your peace. Help us not be overcome by fear or doubt but with the peace only You can give. In this storm of life, thank You for being our calm. Through Jesus we plead, amen.

 

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com