For The Want of Peace

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

- Mark 4:39

One wonders at the words of our Lord here whether they were merely meant for the wind and waves crashing about them, or were they meant as well for those terrified disciples in the boat.

For many of us today, peace is seen as that time when we get onto that jet plane and take off to some far away place for a vacation. Or when we take our annual leave to spend some time in our own leisurely pursuits. But is that true peace? Is true peace found in suppressing or escaping from our worries and anxieties through holidays abroad or spending wantonly on our desires? Yet that is what modern society has indoctrinated us thoroughly with. We put aside the worries of tomorrow by drowning it in the activities of the present.

And so do we not find that even though we may fly to the furthest reaches of the Earth, our worries still tag along for the ride? No matter how much we spend on things to distract us from the problems of this life, sooner or later the reality of them return and with even greater force?

Where then can we find the "truest" peace? It is found here, in the nature of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He who commands nature commands us to be at peace. And on what basis does He do so? It is based on this, His manifold promises to us as shown in His own Word, and upon His own station as Lord and Sovereign over all.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.

- Romans 8:28

In my own life it is such a constant struggle for peace. Fear and anxiety for the future seeks constantly to cloud the view of God's faithfulness and goodness. Has not the Lord seen me through all these years? Has He not provided even in the darkest days? Yet such unbelief! Such murmuring and complaining against God. Does He not provide everything in due season?

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

- Psalm 145: 15-17

If He were not Sovereign over all I would have every reason to despair. But He is the Lord on High, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and His eternal decrees have been made for my good. Oh to cast oneself with abandon into the Hand of God and to trust the Rock which never fails. "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (Psa 62:5 NIV)

True peace is not found in suppressing anxieties or problems through mere activity, but it is found in looking unto Him who holds your future in His hands and who is able to provide for us more than we can ever ask or imagine.

God has called you to peace.

- 1 Corinthians 7:15