FINDING PEACE AND HARMONY IN A WORLD OF STRIFE AND CHAOS

FINDING PEACE AND HARMONY IN A WORLD OF STRIFE AND CHAOS

12th SEPTEMBER 2021

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

There are so many evil occurrences across the world these days, especially in some black African countries like Nigeria. For instance, Nigeria is topping the list of the highly unsecured places in the world to travel and reside. This is because it has become a common occurrence to hear of banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings happening in Nigeria. Almost everyone in Nigeria currently lives in fear of a possible attack on them. Despite these evil times, Jesus says it is possible to have peace and be happy in a world where evil thrives.

We need peace of mind and peace in our environment to live a fulfilled life. The peace we desire can be attained in a world of strife and chaos, notwithstanding the present state of anarchy and deprivation across the world. Unfortunately, many are misguided, looking for peace in all the wrong places.

True peace of the Lord does not come from the inordinate acquisition of riches, inordinate ambition for power, or derived from sexual pleasure. Solomon, with all his wealth, knowledge and power, could not find peace. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines; His riches were more than that of Bill Gates and the rest of then put together, and lastly, he was a powerful king being anointed by God. Solomon was so desperate that he sat down and wrote in his journal, which we know as the Book of Ecclesiastes, “Vanity of vanities, everything is vanity.” It was Solomon’s way of saying, “Life has no meaning, no purpose, and no peace.” Solomon searched high and low and came up wanting.

 I believe there is a place of God’s peace near the heart of God. Jesus says peace is not available in the world. Therefore, the world cannot give peace. Jesus is the one who gives peace. Even at that, achieving peace is not a one-off event; it is a continuous process of walking with God, talking with God, and working with God. The word of God is telling us today to experience the peace of God by setting our mind on God and the drinking of his holy essence. This brings us face to face with the PRINCE OF PEACE himself. – JESUS.

We can gradually drift to the heart of God and partake of his holy essence by doing two things: ONE, wake up each morning with heart and mind fixed on Jesus Christ with affirmative declarations, committing every step onto God – from wake up to sleeping again at night. Two, touch lives each day by binding others’ wounds; give peace where there are troubles, anxiety and fear; give love where there are pain and hatred. And speak against all forms of societal evil.

Beloved, you are being called upon today to walk into the arms of Jesus, and experience the warmth of his love, the serenity of His peace and the abundance in a new life freely given by Jesus. AMEN.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I arise today by the power of the Holy Spirit to give willingly of myself to further peace in the world. Therefore, I declare all my ways are sanctified, and I am led into your heart and holy presence where your peace has no end. AMEN

FURTHER READING: Isaiah 26:3 NIV