Peace is an essential commodity. Everyone wants peace but many do not know how to attain it. Many do not even understand what peace is. We think that peace is the absence of violence and if only we can get the formula to stop all wars and conflicts, there will be peace in our world.

Just a few days ago, I watched President Obama of the United States speaking in Cairo, reaching out to the Arab world with persuasive and passionate words. His speech was applauded by a lot of Moslems watching and listening to his speech, describing it as a departure from the policies of the former Administration’s policies. Will Obama be able to bring about peace in the Middle East? I do not doubt his sincerity to promote peace in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine, however I doubt if his efforts will be enough to bring about peace in that region.

When Jesus was born, an announcement was made to the earth through the mouth of angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14) Before this time, there was no war on earth. In fact, it was one of the most peaceful of times in Biblical history. Yes, when Christ was born, we were told that peace had come to men. Peace was announced because the Author of peace had been born.

It is noteworthy that when Jesus was about to die, the legacy he bequeathed to the disciples was His peace. This was His last will and testament to them. He also emphasized that the kind of peace He was leaving with them was not the peace as the world knows it. It was a legacy which they were expected to pass on to others using the vehicle of the gospel.

When man fell at the Garden of Eden, man lost the right to peace. The serenity and absolute bliss man enjoyed in God was gone in a moment. This was the peace Jesus came to restore. This was why peace was announced as soon as He was born and was also the legacy he bequeathed to His disciples just before He went to the cross.

When Jesus said the peace He gives is not as the world gives, what did He mean? I believe it means that we only attain peace when we become one with God. We can only become one with God when we are reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ.

The next question is, ‘Why are many believers constantly in a state of anxiety and worry?’ I believe we get to that state because of what I call, ‘The Storm Syndrome’. Jesus and His disciples were on a journey in a boat. He decided to take a nap and somewhere along the journey, there was a furious storm. The disciples did all they knew to do. They tried all tricks in the sailor’s manual but ended up with feelings of hopelessness. It occurred to them at this point that Jesus had been sleeping through the storm. ‘Teacher!’ They cried, ‘don’t you care if we drown?’

What was Jesus’ response? Standing up in the boat, He commanded, ‘Peace, Be Still!’. The Author of peace spoke to the raging storm and there was calm.
If we truly are God’s children, then the peace of God should fill our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Where the peace of God is, there is no room for worry or anxiety. We should be the ones people should look up to in times of crisis. In a world devoid of real peace, you and I are the carriers of God’s peace. We need to make a difference in the world around us as we walk in the assurance that God is with us and can take care of us no matter the circumstances confronting us.

When people see the peace of God demonstrated in our life, it would attract them to you and give you the opportunity to share the gospel of peace with them. Don't worry about anything. Instead, tell God about everything.

Ask and pray. Give thanks to him. Then God's peace will watch over your hearts and your minds because you belong to Christ Jesus. God's peace can never be completely understood. (Phi 4:6-7)

Steve O. Popoola
© June 2009, Biblepraise Fellowship Online.

Steve Popoola is the editor of Biblepraise Newsletter and the webmaster of Biblepraise Fellowship Online at http://www.biblepraise.org. British by birth, He currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria with his wife Maris and their children; Praise, Stephanie and Precious. He works as an IT professional in a bank. He presently serves as Church Secretary and Heads the Music Ministry in his local church . He loves to encourage and inspire through speaking forums. He is the Moderator/Editor of Biblepraise Newsletter. He can be reached through His email address, steve@biblepraise.org