Not as the World Gives

Everyone wants to experience peace.  You have probably heard it said before in remarks such as this;  “Once this happens or when this changes, I will be at peace.”  This is a nice sentiment but it only goes to show that the world does not understand true peace.  It is in scripture that we can begin to understand where we find peace.  In John 14:27 Jesus says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  The world’s peace will always fall short.  It is only in Jesus that we can experience true and lasting peace.  

​As we go through our lives, we experience pain, sorrow, suffering, and challenges.  We all have crosses we need to carry.  The world tells us we can only find peace when these difficulties are absent from our lives.  The world gives peace that is temporary because it is only experienced when there are no hardships.  The world’s peace is a peace of good circumstances.  It is brief and fleeting.  Despite the pressures and struggles of life, the gift of peace that comes from Jesus cannot be snatched away by the world.  This peace endures suffering and rejection.  This peace that Jesus offers does not mean that everything in your life is perfect or that you have it all together.  It is trusting that He has everything under control and knowing that we are loved more than we can understand.  It is this inner peace that no trials or suffering can destroy.

There is nothing that compares to the peace of Christ.  It is one of the most valuable gifts that we are given.  We are able to experience this peace daily but it is not easy.  We have to continue to seek it out regularly.  Many things in the world will distract us.  We will be tempted to believe the lies  of the devil and fall victim to despair.  Seeking peace means seeking Christ.  If we focus on Him, we will be able to experience the peace He offers.  There are different things we can do that will help us to receive this gift.  Going to Mass is vital.  Outside of mass, we can make a corner or space for prayer in our homes.  This makes it easier to commit to spending time with Jesus.  We can read scripture and spiritual books.  We can listen to hymns or praise and worship music.  We can spend time in eucharistic adoration.  The list is endless.  Whatever we do, the key is growing closer to Christ, deepening our relationship with Him, and accepting the love He has for us.  This is what will allow us to experience true peace.  It is Christ alone who allows us to experience all of the ups and downs of life and still say, “it is well with my soul.”

The world is crazy, busy, and loud.  We all have challenges and trials to deal with.  We cannot sit back and wait for life to be easy and perfect because that will never happen.  What we can do is run towards Jesus and open our hearts to invite Him in.  It is when we are deeply abiding in Him that we will experience the peace He gives us, and our hearts will not be troubled or afraid.