True Peace

Mankind already exists amid the ruins of a world, full of broken homes, false hopes, and broken hearts. As we look at our world today, many people are starving. People have traded one set of masters for another. Communications has broken down. Many institutions are falling in the wake. Youth is copping out on life with drug addiction, alcohol, indiscriminate sex, and even suicide. Child abuse is a major problem. The world has gone to pieces. What is to be gained by crying "Peace! Peace!"?

Further more, the human heart is most perplexing. On the surface it would seem that cheerfulness depends on happy circumstances, good health, or great prosperity. The purely material things of life are not the great essentials of happiness. They are capable of adding wonderfully to the joys of life. However, they can't assure a single happy hour unless there is peace in the heart.

Have you had peace and quietness of soul? Have you experienced true peace in your heart? I knew one woman engaged in a sweated industry. She lived in a small, ill-lighted, unsanitary room in a slum. She worked through the weary days, and knew nothing of holidays. Her wage was small. Her occupation was precarious. And her health was indifferent. However, she would work away, singing her favorite song:

"Thus ever on through life I find
To trust, Oh Lord, is best
Who serve Thee with a quiet mind
Find in Thy service rest
My outward troubles may not cease
But this, my joy will be
Thou will keep Him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on Thee"

Indeed, she was one of the happiest beings I have ever known. What was in her heart? What prompted her happiness? It is true peace in her Lord, Jesus Christ. It is also the message of peace that Jesus comforted his disciples on the eve of His Crucifixion: "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).

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