THE LORD OFFERS A PEACE THE WORLD CANNOT PROVIDE

BIBLE PASSAGE:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. 
In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; 
I have overcome the world.  
(John 16:33)

MEDITATION:
There is an enormous difference when comparing 
what the world has to offer, to the promises from the Lord. 
The world strives to match what the Lord offers, 
but it always comes up short.
It is proof positive that the Lord is omnipotent and the world is not.

For instance the world doesn’t provide peace, 
because it doesn’t have peace to give.
It fights for peace, it negotiates for peace, it maneuvers for peace, 
but there is no ultimate peace in the world. 
There is a misconception that if guidelines are eliminated, 
then everyone will find peace in doing whatever they choose to do.

The flaw in this thinking is that providing peace for one person 
often means infringing on the peace of someone else.
The world doesn’t understand that we need fixed guidelines 
which are consistent, biblical, and fair to all people.

Peace is more achievable whenever people alter their lives 
to stay within the boundaries established by God, 
rather than moving His boundaries to accommodate their sinful lifestyles.
Of course that means that those living outside the boundaries established 
by God will have to make changes in order to enjoy the peace He offers.

The world wants Christians to be tolerant of those 
living in opposition to God’s commands, 
so others can enjoy peace in continuing with their lifestyle.
But tolerance implies acceptance, and followers of the Lord 
cannot accept the lifestyles of those who oppose Him.

Although Christians disapprove of sinful actions, 
they can still love and pray for sinners.
How can that happen?
Because they acknowledge the fact that everyone is created by God, 
that He represents love, and they make a choice not to hate His handiwork.

Conversely, sinners cannot accept Christians 
and prefer to eliminate everything associated with the Lord 
because it creates guilt and conflicts with how they want to live.
Of course their efforts threaten the peace of those following the Lord.

The Lord tells us in His Word that there will always be a constant 
conflict between worldly and heavenly philosophies and guidelines. 
Sinners struggle with finding peace 
because their will is contrary to God’s will.
The peace of Christians is threatened by the constant pressure from the 
world to eliminate God from our society and destroy all forms of worship.

But the Lord gives peace to those who put their trust in Him.
Jesus knows how to cope with the turmoil in this world
and He wants to share it with His followers.
The peace He offers is not a peace of appeasement;
it is also not a peace of compromise, tolerance and conformity.
It is a spiritual peace – something the world cannot provide.

ACTION:
If you have surrendered your life to the Lord, 
then you know of the peace He offers. 
But if you have refused His offer of salvation, 
then you have rejected Him, and everything He represents. 

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of peace for me in a 
world of turmoil. Your promises give me a cheerful hope that no matter 
how corrupt the world may be, You are still in control. Thank You for 
showing me that I too can overcome the influences of the world through 
Your help and guidance. Remind me that I need to depend on You rather 
than trying to overcome through my own efforts.”

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