{ Peace: Not As the World Gives }

Peace.
It's been on my mind a lot lately.
In the midst of challenges from a lot of different directions, I've been taking it a little more seriously.
What does it really look like when a Christian is successfully living in peace?

I was reminded of this verse:

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

Not as the world gives. What is the difference?

I think the difference is in where I go to look for peace. Worldly peace seems to require the absence of discomfort, pain, uncertainty. If the unpleasantness of life doesn't completely go away, then at least I must try to lessen pain by a) staying busy or b) by entertaining my brain so I don't feel the pain so much.

Heavenly peace then, must be present in the midst of discomfort, pain, and uncertainty. It is confidence, trust, faith that in the midst of what comes at me in life, God is in control.

In the verse before this, I think there is a key to successfully living in peace that I can't forget if I want to have it.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." v. 26

Non-Worldly Peace: Actively remembering and seeking for God has said, what He has promised. Waiting on Him for answers and for help. Not being afraid of pain, uncertainty, and discomfort. Not being surprised when it happens.

Worldy Peace: Actively looking for ways to ignore and lessen the pain of life.

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7