It's the one thing money can not buy.
It's what most people spend a lifetime trying to find and hold on to and sadly it's the one thing most people live without.
Some have even spent hundreds and thousands of dollars looking for the answer.
Peace...it's the treasure in the treasure chest.
What is peace?
Why does everyone want it?
Why is it so hard to find?
Is it possible to have peace?
Where can I find it?
Peace
Peace is what helps you sleep at night.
Peace is a calmness, a quietness in your life
Peace is the opposite of worry, fear, a troubled heart or stress.
Peace is a softness, a state of mind and a soothing tranquility.
We all desire peace because we too often feel the pressure in this hectic, stressful, busy, loud, noisy and sometimes scary world. Unfortunately, we too often look in all the wrong places to find peace. So, is it even possible in this stressful, less than peaceful life to find peace, let alone hold on to it?
The Bible tells us in Psalms 34:14b to "....seek peace, and pursue it." God tells us to seek for it and pursue it; He would never tell us to do something if it were not possible. It's like a treasure and God has given us the treasure map with the exact details on where and how to find it.
However, the devil also has a treasure map and a fake treasure chest. His map is full of detours and lies. He does not want you to find the real treasure and will keep you as far from it as possible. Let's take a quick look at a few of his fake treasures.
1. Riches
2. Material Substance
3. The Perfect Body
4. Popularity and Fame
5. A Successful Career
6. Achieving Perfection
7. Drugs and Alcohol
While most of these are harmless and innocent, when they became the obsession or the destination, they become nothing more than a fake treasure. None of these items can bring peace and contentment. Oh, they may offer a temporary satisfaction but not a lifetime of peace.
Since the Bible is God's map on how to get to the treasure, lets go there and see what it says.
John 14: 27 says " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
God does not give peace in the way that the world offers peace. The world fills our head with lies telling us to be rich, have things, be beautiful and perfect, be a successful career person and if that doesn't work, take drugs. We are surrounded by these lies on TV and in magazines, but God sweetly reminds us, "I have real peace and it's my peace and I will give it to you."
John 16:20 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
If peace does not come through the world or the lies of the Devil then where?
Where can we find it?
We have heard that more sleep, drinking more water, exercising more and eating healthier can help us have a peaceful life.
While I am for all these things and I try to daily apply these to my life, they are not the answer.
Like I mentioned earlier, some people have paid hundreds even thousands of dollars to get the answers.
So, what is the answer
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Did you see the answer?
Jesus!
Jesus, is the answer
Jesus is always the answer!
Isaiah says is beautifully in Isaiah 26: 3-4 " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee (Jesus): because he trusteth in thee (Jesus). Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
Then later in chapter 41 verse 10 God says, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness"
God does not leave us stranded without hope. He want to help us live a victorious life with courage and strength. But it has to be His way.
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock , and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
Plain and simple, He wants you to ask and seek Him.
Peace can be found and it can be held on to but it's only through Jesus.
Hollywood has shown us time after time that riches, fame, nice things, beauty and success can not bring true peace; so why not give God's way a try!
Maybe you don't know where to start, let me help you...
1. Start with Jesus- simply ask Him for peace.
2. Open your Bible and read His Words.
3. Search the Bible for verses on Peace and memorize them
4. Turn over all your cares, worries, stress, frustrations and doubts to Him-
1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares upon Him for He careth for you."
5. Enjoy the Fruits of the Spirit- love, joy PEACE. ...Galatians 5:22-23
6. Trust Him
7. Take His sweet gift!
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13
I hope today, if you are drowning in stress, hurt, frustration, fear, anxiety, trouble or anger you will lay it all at the feet of Jesus and pick of His free gift of peace.
He knows your name, He knows your heart and He wants to help!
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