A quick glance on social media or a venture into the world of the latest news story will continue to prove that we are a world of opinions. Every one has their “piece” that they hold on to and fervently stand up for. And with everyone battling over how right their “piece” is, we’re left with a world with no peace.
I recently heard a pastor refer to people holding tight to their piece as having a “Messiah Complex.” The feel it is their job or duty, that they are the only one that can fix whatever it is, they see as broken and they are obligated to indoctrinate as many people onto their side as they can. They live their lives carrying a burden and making sure you know they’re doing it. Almost as if they now find their identity within the problem they want to fix. And usually, with this, comes a life full of turmoil and a constant lacking of peace.
Now understand, peace isn’t necessarily the absence of turmoil. While turmoil is what’s happening around me, peace comes from what’s within me. You can still maintain peace while in the middle of some of the most tumultuous times in your life. Peace comes not from the constant shifting of what occurs on the outside but from holding on to something deeper on the inside.
For example: If I feel at peace because I have a steady job, then every summons into the boss's office is reason to fret and worry. Or, if I feel at peace because things are going well in my relationship, then when a disagreement occurs, what was my peace has now become my turmoil. As long as I try and find my peace amongst the pieces, then I will lose my peace when I lose hold of those very same pieces.
So how do we maintain peace in the middle of the turmoil all around? The Prophet Isaiah wrote about this very thing, and in his book he references a reliance on God that brings peace to your mind even when things are in turmoil. He wrote, “(God) will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in (Him).” Not just peace, but a perfect peace comes from a mind at rest because it’s trust lies solely in God. Peace isn't found in the absence of problems; peace is found in the presence of God.
Solomon wrote, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t rely on your own understanding! Give everything to Him, and He will lead and guide you.” When your peace is found in Him, then no amount of pressure, uncertainty or turmoil can deter it.
The psalmist David wrote that “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” A great sign of a faith that trusts and a mind that is steadfast, is God’s rest in our lives.
And the beauty of it all, is peace is yours to have now. In John 14, Jesus said "Peace I leave with you." And then he says something I don't want you to miss, he said, "My peace I give you… And because I give you my peace, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Notice, He's not giving you “a” peace, or just “any ol’” peace, he's giving you His peace. A peace not found in the absence of problems, a peace found in the presence of God. Trust Him with the problems and issues you truly can’t control, and you’ll find that in trusting Him with your pieces, you’ll find His peace.