by Excel V. Dyquiangco
Oftentimes, the world defines peace in terms of fleeting or temporary relief. This may be peace found in things or people or even substances. Money, pleasure, drugs, alcohol, property and even relationships are considered means to finding peace. In reality, however, these don’t even come close! This kind of peace is filled with denial and escapism. The world’s peace is neither genuine nor lasting.
So what then is true peace? Jesus demonstrated it when He had peace amidst temptation (Matt 4:1-11), during a storm (Luke 8:22-25), while under interrogation (John 18:33-38) and even at the cross (Luke 23:34). Clearly, this is the kind of peace everyone desires – Peace that is present no matter how grave the situation is. How then can people have this kind of peace?
The answer is Jesus! He assures us with His Words in John 14 : 27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." And then He continues with a great promise in the next verse: "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16 : 33)
In short, Jesus does not promise His people a trouble-free life. He does guarantee, however, that we can have peace because of Him – When we truly and genuinely receive Him into our lives. When troubles come, such as a debt a mother can’t pay, a son’s illness, bills that have been piling up for years, or maybe relationships that have gone sour, God gives His people divine power to stop worrying and give Him their troubles. Think of this wonderful passage: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7). Note that it is God’s peace that overcomes troubled hearts. This is the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding, explanation and imagination – Above and beyond anything we can ever dream of.
So, when faced with problems you can’t understand or solve, responsibilities too big to handle or the unexpected death of a loved one, remember that Jesus can handle all these circumstances. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you."
This is what it means to have real, genuine and everlasting peace.
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