Sounds easy enough but most Christians can’t. Man has searched for “inner peace” throughout time. But true peace comes from God alone and is “peace that passes all understanding”. Peace that calms and quiets the soul. Peace that abides in the midst of troubles, trials and tribulations. Peace that confounds the wise and doesn’t make sense. How can you have peace when others facing the same problems are stressed and panicked?

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

God’s peace can’t be bought or earned and is not found in the natural. But it can be traded away. You do it more often than you know. I can tell you from personal experience that enjoying God’s peace and presence going down the road can be challenging. It’s like asking for trouble with me. Being behind the wheel seems to be challenging enough for me to just try to keep my temper when all the crazies abound.

I’ve been in mid-sentence of thanking and praising God and have an idiot slam on his brakes or cut me off and my words quickly change to questioning their sanity and lack of driving ability. In that moment my peace leaves me quicker than you can say bye. Amazing how my attitude and feelings change from enjoyment and contentment to anger and frustration.

God’s peace should be treasured and enjoyed but we trade it away far too quickly. Thank God for His wonderful Holy Spirit who immediately reminds me of my poor choice. I find myself telling me to keep my mouth shut quite often. Just because someone upsets you doesn’t mean that you have to voice your anger or displeasure. Those words once spoken cannot be recalled or erased. Not only do you lose your peace but you can end up opening the door for the Devil to enter and add to your troubles.

In today’s world there are more and more disgruntled and angry people out there. Their lives are in such a mess that they can’t see the forest for the trees. Their problems are so great and they are desperate for Jesus but don’t know it so they blame everyone and everything else for their troubles. They show it as blind rage, anger and hatred. These people will give you every opportunity to test your ability to hold your peace. Though they may deserve your heated replies they are desperate for your prayers!