Bumperstickers proclaim “Peace”. Organizations promote peace. Periodically a peace movement will arise. As a teenager in the sixties I was apart of a peace movement when the Vietnam War was raging. I look back at that time and I am amazed at how little I knew. We all want peace and do what we can to bring peace. But at the same time, if you look at our personal lives you will find little peace. Peace seems out of reach. We are, by nature, selfish individuals. Selfishness and self-centeredness inevitably leads to quarrels with other selfish individuals. Inner peace cannot be found as nothing satisfies our selfishness.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.” Everyone wants inner peace. God promises to give peace to those who make their requests to Him. He will take away anxiety and not only replace anxiety with peace, but also guard your heart so that peace stays with you. Oh Lord, help us realize that our selfish ways keep us from finding the peace that we desperately seek. Give us the humility to understand our weaknesses and submit our requests to you. Then give us the peace we desire, starting with peace with you and guard our hearts from the world’s anxieties.
Reluctant Retiree 