The world we live in today is high stress. Enough people have told me they avoid watching the news because it's too depressing. There is so much to be concerned about in our neighborhoods, cities, places of worship, and countries. Depending on who you ask, the optics may appear different; the issues and their perspective may differ greatly. But one thing's certain - this world isn't at peace today.
To the Christian, this should be no surprise. God didn't promise "peace on earth" as the scripture of Jesus' coming is often misquoted and misunderstood. All over the bible we are reminded "in this world you will have trials and tribulation", and that we will "encounter trials of many kinds."
Peace on earth is not the promise. But this is:
“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” Luke 2:14 (AMP)
In essence, our prayers for peace aren't tied to the circumstances of life, but in the hearts of mankind. My prayers for peace aren't banking that I'll ever agree with Donald Trump or that cops would stop extra-judicially killing black women, boys, men and girls. My hope for peace isn't specifically aligned with healing from a destructive illness, that world hunger would cease, that South Sudan would end their civil war or ISIS and Boko Haram would stop ravaging families and communities. My measure of peace isn't wrapped up in waiting on a husband, hoping that someone who betrayed me would ever apologize, wondering if I'm actually good enough at being an engineer, or achieving my life dreams.
My peace rather joins forces with me in the middle of my situation and gives me the strength to live freely, find joy, seek justice, offer mercy, and walk humbly alongside others... no matter who they are!
And this is the prayer I submit on behalf of you.
For the months of August & September, I will be blogging every other day for every one of the 195 nations and 65 territories/colonies/dependencies in this world. That regardless of what the news headlines will say, or how many debates I find myself in fighting for the last, least and lost of our societies... that all people would somehow navigate their lives to embracing the gift of the peace of God that is in Christ Jesus. If you're reading this and you're not even religious, or not a Christian, I pray that you too would find your way to ultimate peace. A peace that passes all understanding. I know in my life, my greatest measure of peace comes from knowing that God created me, loves me, sent his son down to save me and I have this hope as an anchor for my soul.
What the world needs now is not just love, but peace of heart and mind. There are too many sleepless nights spent these days with those of us wrecked with worry. Too many distracted by the darkness that haunts us every time we turn on CNN or open our social media accounts. We must recognize that we have the ability to shine a light out from within ourselves - in the midst of our trials - and walk in the peace that is freely offered to all people!
You are more than welcome to follow this blog starting August 1st as I embark on a rather lofty goal. Because when 2 or 3 are gathered together, in His name, there he will be in our midst! Let's go!
Love you all <3
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