Christmas is here! All over the world millions of Christians are celebrating the birth of Christ. Even those who are not Christians can be heard singing about “peace and goodwill to men.” One of our local radio stations has been playing Christmas music since the middle of November! I can’t count the number of times I hear the word “peace” trumpeted over the air waves.
Though Christmas seems to be the season of peace, it hardly has the market cornered. Green Peace is a year round endeavor. In high school, the word “peace” (accompanied by V shaped fingers) was one of our favorite salutations. Alright, I still use it today too. People drink to “peace in the middle east.” Protestors contrast peace and war on spray-painted banners. When making decisions, Christians search for the “peace” they believe will affirm their choices. Anxiety attacks and phobias are a mainstay of psychological counseling sessions. And what child isn’t afraid of the dark at one point or another?
Peace seems to be much longed for, yet seldom achieved.
No doubt many of you have a favorite Scripture passage you turn to in times of turmoil (moments without peace). There are numerous scriptures that deal directly with peace, and countless more that bear such wonderful tidings a Christian can’t help but let the truths wash over their soul with a peaceful, contented froth. So, if it’s impossible to pick up the Bible without facing truths designed to deliver peace, why do so many Christians struggle with inner doubt, anxiety, stress & distress, fear, and depression?
There was a time in my life I sloughed through discontentment and despondency. I hated my life and couldn’t believe this was God’s will. Thankfully, instead of running from God I searched the Bible for answers. My joy, my peace, was found in a thorough study of Philippians. To this day, Philippians 4:4-9 is one of my favorite passages.
Over the next few weeks I will do a series on Peace. We will learn from God Himself what peace is and how we can achieve this elusive virtue. I hope it will be a study of supreme joy to any believer in God. Please join us as we take the first steps to “peace on Earth,” by beginning with our own lives.
