“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me…” So goes the words to a well known song.

In a few short weeks we will be singing a lot of carols talking of “peace”. We will be reading a favorite passage of scripture of an angelic announcement proclaiming “peace, good will toward men.”
Seems ironic, does it not, to be speaking of peace right now. How does one think of peace in light of all of the angry political announcements, each blaming the other for our problems? How can we think of peace with the turbulence in the financial markets around the globe? How can we speak of peace while our nation fights a war on two fronts, not to mention fighting terroristic plots at home?
Can “peace” ever be more than a thought reserved for some day in the future, but in the mean-time, we wring our hands in dismay?
Jesus said we could. He said He came to give it to us; that we couldn’t work hard enough to earn it. He said that His peace was not dependant upon circumstances in the world, but would come from a different source – – from Himself.

John 14:27-28
27 ” Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

John 16:33
33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace . In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Those are two statements that must be taken on faith. Christians who have a close, intimate relationship with Christ are not worried about the current circumstances. Their trust is placed not upon what is seen, but in the power of the one who not only created this world, but went on to die to rescue us from it. If a grave couldn’t hold Him, I don’t think the current numerous crises can get the best of Him.
What a tremendous opportunity for the Church today to demonstrate our saving faith to our neighbors by our calm –blessed assurance – we have in God who is in control.
I close with the words of another song:
“Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water. Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea…”
Gary