Friday was a very difficult day for me, because I did the funeral of a close friend and member of our church. It wasn't only the death but the way in which it happened. My friend committed suicide. Since then my mind has raced in so many directions.Why didn't I realize the mental state in which he was in? If we would have just connected that last Sunday in church when he walked in, maybe the tragedy could have been averted. The circumstances which led up to his death are rather complex and not my focus here. I only mention this, because it reminded me of a recent question that a young friend asked me concerning life in general. He simply asked," How can I find peace in my circumstances when living life is so difficult?
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:11, lays the groundwork for God's answer to conflict. The writer begins by saying that," God has planted eternity in the human heart, yet God's ultimate plan for us cannot be readily seen." In other words, God has planted a seed of destiny within us that cannot be satisfied by any other human source, because we have been created in God's image. We have a spiritual thirst and eternal value and nothing but the eternal God can satisfy us.
God has built within us a restless yearning for the kind of perfect world that can only be found in His perfect rule. When Colossians 3;15 tells us to, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,"the writer is addressing that very thought. Like an umpire who brings order out of chaos in a sporting event, the rule of Christ's authority brings peace to our hearts.
Since 3600 B.C. , according to a recent study, 14,351 wars have been fought accounting for the killing of 3.64 billion people at the cost of a gold filled belt stretching around the world 97.2 miles wide and 33 feet thick! How then can I find peace in the midst of such chaos personally, let alone politically?
The answer is very simple."True peace is not just the absence of conflict but dwelling in a place where conflict no longer has any rule." I'm talking about dwelling in another kingdom, a secret place where only those who know Him are privileged to enter. In John 14:27, Jesus said to His fearful disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, do I give to you...Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
The word for "peace" used here is far more than just a simple greeting as where the word is found in other New Testament passages. Here, "peace" carries a much heavier meaning. It is talking about a supernatural peace that only Christ can offer; a peace that is continuous and can be found nowhere else. It is a supernatural dwelling place reserved for those who love Him and seek His face.
This same Greek word is used for peace in John 16:33 where Jesus told His disciples," These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but take courage, for I have overcome the world."
Allow that "seed of destiny", planted in your heart at birth to germinate and grow into a pure faith in Him and on Eagle's Wings, He will carry you to a place of safety where His kingdom Rule has abolished conflict.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Finding Peace in Difficult Circumstances
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