Peace on Earth

This year there were over 45 armed conflicts with at least 100 people killed.  The Middle East is a powder keg about ready to blow.  North Korea is making threats and testing ICBMs.  Terrorist are everywhere trying to kill innocent people.  The world is becoming more and more deadly every day.

Christmas is a time when we sing about peace on earth but there is none.  A verse in the Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" says it best.

And in despair I bowed my head
there is no peace on Earth I said
for hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

That verse could have been written today about this world at this time.  I live in a small town in Iowa, far from any violence, but there are people here who worry about the events in the world.  They worry about war and hatred reaching even small-town Iowa.  Where can peace be found?

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Peace, true peace, is found in Jesus.  It is not found in the world.  Even if there were no wars there would still be worries and trials in peoples' lives. The peace of God is not an outward peace but a peace found deep inside the very soul of the person.  It is knowing that God is in control and He has already overcome the world.

Peace is found in trusting Christ; knowing that He is in control of all that happens. Nothing can touch you without His knowledge and permission.  Does that mean nothing harmful will ever come to you? Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs and you will find people who were tortured and murdered because of their trusting in Christ.  They died with peaceful hearts because they knew who they trusted and loved. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.

Peace is found only by resting in the arms of God.

Photo Credit: peace by raj