Lately the news has been rife with the problems that offended people see, and the various human ways that these problems can be fixed. Flawed humans have been the majority of the cause of these “problems”, so how does looking to other flawed humans to find the answer to the problem make any sense? It seems to be the very definition of insanity. I don’t know about you, but I have been let down over and over again when I look to humans for answers, for support, or for acceptance. Looking to others is not the answer–there is only one answer. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)

Peace doesn’t mean to be without any problems. An eastern religion refers to that as nirvana, but the Lord God does not promise us that our lives here on earth will be without trouble. In fact Jesus says, “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.” (John 16:33)

True peace comes from being reconciled with the Lord through our faith in Jesus Christ. Anything less will never satisfy, and will never bring true peace. “The words ‘it was credited to him [Abraham]’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 4:23-5:4)

True peace requires us to KNOW our Lord. “The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.” (John 10:3-4) He knows the name of those written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:12). I want to pause here to ask you if you know if Jesus knows your name? Is your name written in the book of life? The names in the Book of Life are those who by faith believe in Jesus as the Son of God, who came to this earth to die on the cross, and be raised again for your sins. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Rom. 10:17) If you aren’t sure, I encourage you to believe and accept Him now, and thank Him! “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.” (Is. 55:6-7)

The peace that Jesus Christ promises us is to be reconciled with the Lord, to no longer be an enemy of the Lord as unbelievers are. True peace comes in seeking the Lord and His will (face) and depending upon His direction, not direction from flawed humans: “Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always” (1 Chron. 16:11) And now that you are looking in the right direction for answers for peace, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13) And then share that hope with others: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor. 13:11)