Peace

Society looks for peace in many forms, but is it real peace? Will it sustain you through the tough times of life we all face at one time or another?

Most people search for a life where all is well, and they can go about their day by day routine knowing everything is alright, and the future looks bright. But search as you will, if you are looking for peace in the world’s system you won’t find it. Everything in this world is temporal (subject to change) and change it does! As you read this lesson perhaps you will see you are looking for peace in one of areas we have listed, or perhaps you will find you are living in the last few lines of this lesson. I pray you are enjoying the gift of peace God has given you.

I have listed just a few areas that people look to for security, and peace of mind. We will look at each one separately and see if they offer real peace or just a delusion of peace?

Money tops the list because it has become the most important goal in people’s lives. Some people WILL DO ANYTHING to get it. Most people think (without realizing it) that money will fix all their problems. It will keep them safe and protected if they can just get enough. Look at what God has to say about it in Proverbs 18:11 (LB)

“The rich man thinks of his wealth as an impregnable defense, a high wall of safety. What a dreamer!”

Money is necessary to live and provide for our family, and it will answer some of the problems we encounter in life, but money will never give you peace. God said in Deuteronomy 8:18 that He is the one who gives His children the ability to prosper.

“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth that he may establish his covenant….”

God wants His children to prosper and have their needs provided for, but He never intended money to replace Him. I believe the spirit of greed has taken up residence in many people’s lives today, and they are looking to money instead of God. Have you noticed that regardless of how much money a person has, that doesn’t seem to be enough, they continually want more? This is the spirit of greed at work, and it isn’t difficult to recognize this evil spirit.

As I write this lesson, I can’t help but think of the three young professional athletes that was lost at sea. It was a sad situation that befell those young men. I don’t need to wonder how much money they would have given to have a rescue ship find them. I’m not saying their faith and trust was in their money, I am simply saying there are things that come our way that money is useless. Our Father wants to provide for us abundantly and He will if we will put Him first. Don’t wait until you are in a hopeless situation before you find the Prince of Peace, Jesus. He is the only one that can give you true peace, everything else is an illusion.

What about the Government? It doesn’t take very much time listening to our government leaders to know they are failing in every area, in every decision they make. There is a lot of unrest throughout the land because of the problems in our Government system. Why will anyone put their faith, trust and confidence in a man, I will never understand. If our leaders refuse to get on their knees and pray, there will be no peace in this world. There are a lot of people with great knowledge, but without wisdom, their knowledge is worthless. You cannot turn your back on God and think you are big enough to go it alone. You may for a while, but you will come to a place that only God can fix the problem. I wonder how long it will be before our Leaders will realize the creation is not more powerful that the Creator.

The ground is shaking under us and only God can keep us safe and give us peace when disaster seems to be all around us. What should we do when our Government fails us?

Psalms 91:2-11 (LB)

“THIS I DECLARE (confess) that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he rescues me from every trap, and protects me from the fatal plague. He will shield me with his wings, they will shelter me. His faithful promises are my armor. Now I don’t need to be afraid of the dark anymore, nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning. Though a thousand fall at my side, though ten thousand are dying around me, the evil will not touch me. I will see how the wicked are punished but I will not share it. For Jehovah is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near. For He orders his angels to protect me wherever I go.”

I have changed these scriptures to make them a personal confession and this is what we are to declare in the face of every adversity. We make our confession of who our God is, and what He will do for us when we live within His Shadow.

Many people have placed their peace in their vocation, their ability to make money and be a success. As Proverbs says, “What a dreamer”

Everyday people are losing their jobs at an alarming rate. I am sure many of these people have come to realize the peace and security they had in their employment was a counterfeit to real peace. Only knowing Jesus and placing your life in His Hands will keep you safe and secure when all is lost. His Peace is His presence in your life.

Do you have a great education? Do you think it will sustain you through tough times? I knew a man who was a Dental Surgeon, had a great education, great future in making money, (if money were the answer to having peace). However right in his prim years, he lost the use of his hands.

Regardless of education, or having a lot of letters behind you name, don’t be fooled that you can overcome anything that may come your way. Your education is only as good as your mind and body’s ability to perform.

We are mortal beings and we need healthy minds before education can work for us. God can and will bless us through our education, but don’t forget where your ability to understand and apply knowledge comes from. Put your trust in God and you will rest in His Peace each day. When education fails to meet your need, God will provide

I have covered only a few areas that seem to comfort people, but there are many more areas we could talk about, such as Physical strength, Youth, Family, even The Preacher. But these things only give a temporary peace, a nice feeling because nothing has come our way to challenge us in these areas. When circumstances come our way that we can’t overcome in the natural we find ourselves in an ocean of trouble. Many people never find the answer. They are filled with anxiety, fear, and every other feeling of desperation. All these different roles we have covered in this lesson show us how quickly natural peace will crumble beneath us once we encounter some of the pressures of life that come our way.

I want close this lesson with the words of Jesus, and what He had to say about Peace.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid”.

John 14:27 (LB)

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