joyce54aa@swoidup.net

Peace is such a beautiful word. It is associated with meadows, love, and most of all with God. The dictionary gives many definitions of the word peace. The one I find that pertains to Christians is, the absence of stress and anxiety. Do we truly know how to have peace in our lives? The Bible  gives us the guidelines to live each day in peace.

Even in the Old Testament, the prophets like Isaiah, spoke of finding peace with God. In Isaiah 53:5, he spoke these prophetic words. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we arehealed. The peace that we so desperately seek, rests on the shoulders of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we study the Bible, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He holds the key to finding peace in our lives.

John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I gave unto you: not as the world giveth, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled: neither let it be afraid. Jesus spoke these precious words. Jesus takes our troubles and washes them away, leaving us with the calm and peace that we need to get through each day and night. He is the bearer and keeper of thepeace that passes all understanding.

Each of the Trinity plays a part in giving us the peace that we need. Peace is also evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Galations 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Do we possess these qualities? If the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives, we will be filled with peace and kindness.

Spending time in prayer will also give us that much sought after peace.Philippians 4:4. And the peace of God that passeth all understanding, shall keep keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. God has given us the gift of prayer. Through prayer He gives us the peace that we need in our busy lives.

When we find peace through the Holy Spirit and our Savior Jesus Christ, we will be at peace with God. When we are at peace with God, we will be at peace with ourselves and with the world around us. Romans 5:1, Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I heard a story the other day that made me pause and give it some thought. If we are driving down the highway at 70 miles an hour and cars are passing us by like a blur, this isn't the real world. If you stop your car beside the road and watch a farmer tilling the soil, and the cows grazing in the field, this is the real world. When we are so busy meeting our daily schedules, it is hard to see the calm that exists in the real world. But with the peace that God affords us,  we can live in peace and harmony. Just remember to take the time to let the blessed Trinity give you the peace that you need in your life. It is there waiting for us if we will just seek it.