Every day, my prayers begin with petitions for peace. My prayers always begin with a specific appeal for peace for my mother who suffers from dementia and still knows enough to understand she doesn’t like where she is and what is happening to her.  They end with world peace  and range from war to natural disasters to evil people taking over countries for their own personal gain and greed. My implorations ask for peace for all who have lost loved ones, face illnesses and diseases and anything that might be overtaking their lives. That portion of my prayer time is both specific for those I personally know and general for those I don’t.

We can achieve a feeling of peace from the world when things go our way, but that is temporary peace. It satisfies us for a period of time, but is ultimately empty peace because it is not forever. We all understand peace that is the opposite of war and fighting but it is not lasting peace as we all well know.

We have been given the gift of a very different type of peace and that peace comes from Jesus.  Only He can give us eternal peace that leaves us full, comforts us, assures us and gives us hope. It eases our hearts and minds and helps to settle our emotions.  If we accept the peace Jesus offers us, we have no reason to be troubled or afraid.

In John 14:27 we are given this promise. I am leaving you with a gift…peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

The beautiful gift of God’s unconditional love through His gift of Jesus offers us peace. It is The peace of God, which passes all human understanding, and it will guide your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7).

May our hearts be wrapped tenderly in the protective peace of the Lord and may we experience it every single day. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Patty