Real and lasting world peace is rare. Our country still has soldiers in many countries, and a new threat of war is again making the headlines. Actually, this is just “business as usual” as far as our world is concerned. Since the beginning of recorded history, the entire world has been at peace less than eight percent of the time! Out of 3,530 years of recorded history, only 286 years saw peace. Not only that, there have been more than 8,000 peace treaties and all of them have been broken.
Real and lasting peace of mind is even scarcer. CNN news reporter, Elizabeth Cohen, recently wrote in one of her articles that; “. . . antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They’re prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches.” More than ever before, Americans are depending on drugs to make them feel better. We must be a very anxious and depressed people.
Do you ever wonder why? We have more wealth and more labor-saving technology than at any other time in human history. Not only that, but we are also living longer than ever before. You would think that those things would make us happier people, wouldn’t you?
Drugs can make us feel better temporarily, but they sure aren’t making us more peaceful. Ms. Cohen, for example, also wrote about a woman who did not like the way her husband was taking care of their money. She knew she could do a better job, but she didn’t want to confront him. Instead, she saw her doctor. The doctor suggested she take an antidepressant. This did make her feel better, but (and this is no surprise) “the woman’s husband led the family into financial ruin.” She felt better, but that didn’t solve their money problems or bring her any lasting peace of mind.
If drugs don’t give us lasting peace, then what is the secret to living a peaceful and contented life?
The answer is not far away. When we aren’t sure why an appliance isn’t working, we reach for the manufacturer’s manual. May I suggest that we find out what our Maker suggests we do to have peace? It just makes sense that our Creator would know best how to make us peaceful.
Because the One True God is “the Lord of peace” (2 Thessalonians 3:16), He knows better than anyone what it takes for us to have real peace. Notice what Jesus can do for us: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). God’s peace is the only one that guarantees to keep our minds healthy: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
How can we get this wonderful peace that God offers? The Bible promises it to those who belong to Him. “The Lord will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11).
How can we belong to God? We must learn from the Bible who God is, and then we must believe the truth that is revealed there. We must also trust that Christ’s death on the cross is all we need to satisfy God’s wrath against our many sins. “As a result of the anguish of His [Christ’s] soul, He [God the Father] will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11).
When we believe God and trust what He has done to save us, that true and lasting peace will be ours. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Peace is not found in things that the world offers, but in the loving presence of God.
Pills do not really bring peace. Only God can do that. You will find more information about God’s peace at www.BethelChapelChurch.com. You can also leave any of your questions or comments about His peace there as well.
Great article David! Is. 26:3 has always been one of my favorites.