Our world today is threatened as war looms over Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine, along with the ever-potential threat of China’s invasion of Taiwan. And what the world is seeking and is in desperate need of is peace.
But this isn’t something new. Actually, since the beginning of time humanity has been desperately looking for peace. In nations around the world there has been peace rallies, peace movements, peace marches, prizes awarded for peace. In fact, there have been wars fought in the name of peace.
People have even been arrested for disturbing the peace, which is interesting because how can you disturb what has never been?
People long, pray, fight and die for peace, but peace has yet to come. And that’s because people are looking for peace in all the wrong places. They’re looking for a physical peace, which will never come until Jesus returns.
Instead, the peace we should be looking for is having peace with God. The Lord will bring what no human, nation, technology, science, or religion could ever possibly bring, and that is, a perfect peace.
The prophet Isaiah said, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
It’s only when we put our full trust and hope in Jesus Christ that we’ll find that peace that surpasses all of our understanding, which is because of our own limited mental and emotional capacities.
The Apostle Paul tells us not to be anxious at what life throws our direction, but rather we’re to give it to prayer, that is, we’re to focus our time with God rather than on whatever problem we’re facing, and then God’s peace will be ours.
“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
And so, the peace people are searching for is the peace that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can provide.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Dennis Lee is the Senior Pastor of Living Waters Fellowship located at 211 West First South, Mesquite, NV., behind ACE Hardware.
Sunday Morning Service is at 10 a.m. The message is entitled, “Discerning God’s Voice.” Sunday Evening we’ll be having a special movie entitled, “In Our Hands: The Battle for Jerusalem,” a powerful docudrama and historical reenactment of the Six-Day War.
Wednesday Evening Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies begin at 6 p.m. The Women’s Bible Study is looking at the letters of John, and the Men’s Bible study is looking at selected teachings from Promise Keepers.
Our services can be watched live or at a time best suited for your needs on our YouTube Channel “Mesquite NV Living Waters Fellowship,” or on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Living-Waters-Fellowship-Mesquite-Foursquare-Church-323286096181/.
This is so true, Dennis. Ever since I put my hope in the Jesus of the Bible, 37 years ago, I have enjoyed the peace that only God gives!
Vicky, thank you for your faithfulness, and I thank God that He is always there. Take care and God bless
This peace found in Jesus is difficult to share with someone that doesn’t believe. It is a peace and joy not of the world but one found by resting in His strength. Thanks for the reminder of where I find peace Pastor Dennis!
Wes, It is difficult to share something that is foreign to someone else, but when they see it in the lives of God’s people, then the Holy Spirit will brings those words back to remembrance. Take care and God bless.
Those scriptures mentioned here in Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:6-7 God has given me many of times when going through times of trials and uncertainty. As a result, I have been able to encourage others who are going through things with these very scriptures and the testimonies of how God has brought me through times of trouble time and time again. When people around us see with their own eyes the peace that we have in Jesus that is not dependent on our circumstances, it is only a matter of time before they are drawn to Him. It reminds me of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Debbie, I am so glad the peace God gave you through these last several weeks as He has brought you through the various health issues you went through. God bless