GREATER PEACE...

Would You Like To Experience Greater Peace?...

Well, would you? God is actually described as "the Lord of Peace" (2Thess. 3:16). Someone should tell Richard Dawkins, because he recently spent a lot of money advertising on buses that faith in God causes people to "worry".

But Richard Dawkins has it exactly wrong! If there was no God there would be great cause for worry! Because life without God means that the universe is random, chaotic, without purpose, and unable to offer any hope to the despairing. That is, if there was no God there could be no real peace!

Peace is an inner rest - an inner quiet, a sense of wellness. These are apt words to describe the difference that God makes to a person's life. Do you want more peace in your life? I do.

2Th. 3:16 ¶ Now may ithe Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

But when is peace most needed? Paul told the Thessalonians that the Lord of Peace could give peace at all times in every way. Taking a skim over his two Epistles to the Thessalonians, and it becomes apparent that they were in distress and turmoil. But isn't peace only really prized when it is needed? If you are praying for more peace you might be surprised how God might answer your prayer.

The peace of God is not conjured. You don't have to chant, contemplate, or abuse yourself to find God's lasting peace. You don't understand this kind of God-peace you say? Paul has something to say about this as well-

Philippians 4:7 And uthe peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I want this incomprehensible peace from God! I want the world to see in me what it could never give me.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

There was once an art competition where contestants were invited to portray peace. Artists painted graceful landscapes, and wonderful sunsets. But none of these masterpieces won the Peace Prize. It was an artist's depiction of a severe storm with crashing waves pounding against a cliff where the artist depicted a gull enjoying sanctuary in a small cleft of the cliff while the elements raged. If you're praying for more peace you may find the storms of life raging more furiously.

If you are being harranged, harrassed, or hindered, you may be experiencing distress, anxiety, or worry. It's in these times that you need the peace of God. On the frequent occasions that I have received the peace of God, I have experienced a supernatural calmness. It has enabled me to stop fretting, stop snapping at others, and to sleep. When under intense pressure where the deadlines loom larger, the demands are unrelenting, and the expectations of the wanting are rising, the peace of God has enabled me to do more than cope.

The key to experiencing the peace of the Lord is to follow with the Lord of Peace. The Apostle Paul told the Philippians that the God of Peace walks with those who walk with Him through learning, receiving,hearing, and most importantly: practicing.

Phil. 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Living in the peace of God will set you apart. People will notice that you don't retaliate when others insult you or let you down. They will see you keep your Kingdom priorities even when the most natural thing to do is skip church, drop Bible reading, and cease praying. Live in the peace of God by learning, receiving, hearing and practicing the Word of the Lord of Peace.

Father, fill us with Your peace when we especially need it. May we know You, the Lord of Peace, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Eph. 3:21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ps. Andrew