Peace

The Veracity blog is all about sharing, so for Christmas I’d like to share a gift that we all need so desperately—peace.

The Death of Jumbo by Sue Coe, 2007

This year there’s no shortage of personal train wrecks and tragedies among my family and friends.  Through death, sickness, the collapse of relationships, or just the passage of time, many of them are dealing with insidious loneliness. And everyone has troubles. Yogi Berra was right, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” They’re all carrying on, but they all need peace. Just like you and me.

Peace isn’t linked to our circumstances—although a lot of misery certainly can be.  Some of the most peace-filled people I know have pretty difficult worldly circumstances.  But peace runs deeper than our circumstances.  Much deeper.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:4-13 (ESV)

Dick Woodward has a short booklet entitled A Prescription for Peace that just may be the best gift you can give to anyone.

Peace can be learned? There are conditions for peace? I won’t spoil the read for you, Dick does a great job laying out Paul’s prescription for peace. In the 30 minutes it takes to read this booklet, you’ll get a heavy dose of what Dick calls ‘devotional’ Bible study. It’s powerful and it works.

Merry Christmas…and peace!

HT: Dick Woodward