A Gift the World Cannot Give...Peace

It seems as though we are always in a constant effort trying to achieve peace. I think we tend to associate our lack of peace with worry. As a student, I can honestly say that school and the work it entitles restrains us from gaining peace. I can say from observation of my parents, that having a job inhibits us from gaining peace as well. I typically find myself asking, "Why is it so hard to find peace for 5 minutes in my day?" I tend to come with a lame excuse-blaming it on my teachers-my homework-etc. So is it possible to have peace at all? Of course it is.

After a bit of reading, I found this incredible verse that pretty much sums up how much peace we actually have:

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."John 14:27

This verse comes up as Jesus is talking to his disciples prior to his crucifixion. Jesus tells his disciples how he will be leaving the Earth, but he will be leaving a "gift." Jesus says the world cannot give this gift. This gift is the Holy Spirit and is described as "peace of mind and heart." Did you hear that? The gift of the Holy Spirit offers us peace of mind and heart!

As christians, we might say something like, "Well, wait a minute! I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, but I hardly have any peace in my life! What's the deal?" This is when we should look in the middle of that verse above. "And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. " The world cannot offer the gift of peace. To me this reminded me of Romans 12:2 which explains, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." If we live by the world's "standards" it's difficult, almost impossible, to focus on the Holy Spirit. If we cannot focus on the Holy Spirit, how can we be at peace? We can't.

If we want peace, we must really commit and focus on God so that we can understand that the Holy Spirit is in us waiting to provide us with peace- we just have to take it.

If you are a christian trying to find peace, I urge you to take a few minutes to focus on the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you. Make it a daily habit to start each morning with a simple prayer asking for peace and to remember the Holy Spirit is with you. I pray that you can have peace always and in all things.

If you are not a christian, I personally thank you for reading this. It means the world to me. If you would like peace, I pray that you would consider developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. He offers love and peace to you, and all you have to do is accept him into your life.

I thank everyone for keeping up with this blog. I hope it is helping everyone.

2 Corinthians 13:11