Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Life on this earth can be challenging, troubling, and downright distressing to the point of depression and even despair. The Scriptures confirm this in Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. It stands to reason as there is a curse upon the earth because of sin. Ever wondered why all the trouble? Sin is lurking behind the scenes or sometimes right in our face, or even in our own personal lives. Fame, fortune, etc...only mask the trouble within, at best.

I remember a time in my life when outwardly everything looked well, God was blessing with good income, good job, good family, good church, but Satan who is our adversary loves to stir up strife, push buttons in your life and in the lives of those you love, came with such subtlety that it was like an ambush. It was a very trying time and one I have never forgotten. During that time, the Lord directed my attention to Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. Peace! What people would give to have peace!

In the Old Testament we find that peace was such a valuable commodity that it was part of the blessing wherewith the priests were to bless the children of Israel, Numbers 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Also, peace is so important that many of the epistles begin with a greeting of peace, for instance, Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Did you notice that this peace was not derived from riches, popularity, and those things which the world imagines will guarantee peace? True and lasting peace can only come from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The problem is that our sinful nature is such that we are at enmity against God and against those who are made in His image. Until sin is confronted and conquered we will be like those in Romans 3:17 And the way of peace have they not known. Jesus describes hell as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, and it says in Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

The world gives a false peace of fame, fortune, false religion, and the like, it vanishes like a vapor in the fire of difficuty. Jesus said in John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jesus gives peace that comes from Him, the immutable, unchangeable God.

So often, when you go out to witness to others or preach in the open air, it is met with hostility. I preached a message at a public park on Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! This good news of peace must be heard in order to have everlasting peace.

This peace is founded upon the Prince of Peace as declared in Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

How could Christ reconcile sinful man, take away his sins, and bring peace? The answer is in Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Through Christ's substitutionary and sacrificial death on the cross, His burial, and resurrection, the essential elements of the gospel, He brings peace. Only through His Person and His Work can this peace be found.

When a person repents of their sins and believes on Christ, trusts in Him to take away their sins, then, and only then does the everlasting Christ become your everlasting peace. Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.

This peace is manifested in our being begotten of the Word and the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...

We are then, called to peace, though others may speak ill of us because we are Christians... 1 Corinthians 7:15b...but God hath called us to peace.

But, even the child of God can neglect to draw from the peace within them. So, Jesus says in John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Peace from God looks to Christ and Who He is, what He has done, and what He shall do.

Therefore, as God's children we are admonished in Colossians 3:15a And let the peace of God rule in your hearts... We have a sinful nature we must contend with, mortify, and crucify daily.

This peace has even amazed the world as it ruled in the hearts of the martyrs as they faced torture and death, they found truth and comfort in Philippians 4:7 as they prayed to God, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

No matter what boisterous and disastrous winds may be howling against you, let us recall Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. May we look to the Author and Finisher of our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ Who is soon to return to bring true peace on earth and good will towards all who trust Him.