Robert Fulghum, an American author once remarked: “Peace is not something you wish for, it is something you make, something you are, something you do and something you give away.” John 16:33 reminds us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Peace is primarily defined as freedom from disturbance. However, it can include a bodily state of tranquility of such magnitude that sublimity virtually becomes the key feature. It is usually considered as a special gift from God and may sometimes be regarded as a reward for past good deeds.
The quest for inner peace is attained from a particular state of mind. It may have been striven for over several years, from selfish sole interest, or actions, but it is seldom found through this route.
If stress or anxiety becomes a constant factor in life, this can deter the remotest chance of attaining any successful quest for peace. So how do we best find it? For some, personal peace may only be found in the cavernous depths of the soil. The necessary nourishment needed to encourage its growth into fruition and emerge into the light of day consistently remains lacking. However, inner peace may be achievable from far less strenuous activity. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
If inner peace is considered a gift from God, what is the best way to seek His attention for our quest? Quite simply, the better we come to know God, the closer and more united we will become, and the more attention we will receive. It may sometimes appear that we are nothing more than troublesome children consistently seeking attention, but God in His mercy, will take it all in His stride and if we are worthy, guide our actions into the fruitful and rewarding pastures of internal peace. John 14 1-14 gives us helpful advice in our quest. It reminds us: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
Peace can be identified in other prominent spheres also. Protection is considered a valuable form of peace. If one is surrounded by safety and security, they will often, not only feel secure, but also at peace within. Children have the knowledge and basic instinct that they will usually be protected from danger by their parents, which in itself, is not only reassuring but is likened to a halcyon mind. If they feel threatened or unsure about something, they will often seek the protection of another.
A tortoise is gifted with a large and sturdy shell to provide a shield of protection. If it feels threatened to any extent, it can retract its external bodily parts into the security and peace of its own safe haven. Psalm 91:1-5 reminds us: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”
As Christians, we know that we always have, not only the love and protection of God, but His ability to shield as well. Luke Rhinehart, an American novelist, screenwriter and non-fiction writer once remarked: “Like the turtle's shell, the sense of self serves as a shield against stimulation and as a burden which limits mobility into possibly dangerous areas. The turtle rarely has to think about what's on the other side of his shell; whatever it is, it can't hurt him, can't even touch him. So, too, adults insist on the shell of a consistent self for themselves and their children and appreciate turtles for friends; they wish to be protected from being hurt or touched or confused or having to think. If a man can rely on consistency, he can afford not to notice people after the first few times. But I imagined a world in which each individual might be about to play the lover, the benefactor, the sponger, the attacker, the friend: and once known as one of the next day he might yet be anything. Would we pay attention to this person? Would life be boring? Would life be livable? I saw then clearly for the first time that the fear of failure keeps us huddled in the cave of self - a group of behavior patterns we have mastered and have no intention of risking failure by abandoning.” Ephesians 6:10-18 confirms: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
Amen.
