THE QUEST FOR PEACE

PEACE I LEAVE with you, MY PEACE I GIVE unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid – John 14:27

There is a void at the core of the human heart that is like a black hole. It ravenously sucks and swallows every bit of matter that comes close to it. What can satisfy the ‘black hole’ of the human heart – riches, wealth, power, pleasure, fame, fortune, fantasies, travel, art, or learning? These earthly illusions can no more fill that inner void than a handful of pebbles can fill the Grand Canyon! The ‘black hole’ is actually a longing for God, an avid quest for PEACE, tranquillity of being, and serenity of soul. The human heart is restless till it finds its rest in God! The Son of God says: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST” (Mt.11:28).

In an attempt to find peace for his soul, King Solomon experimented with everything imaginable. He mused, “I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure” (Eccl.2:10). Verse 7 summarized the result of his search: “All is vanity and grasping for the wind.” The ultimate realization of this hedonic adventurer was that fulfilment and peace can be found only in knowing and living for God: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl.12:13).

Beloved, pause and ponder: “Where am I searching for peace, rest, and fulfilment?” Search no further than the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Prince of Peace, the Possessor of Perfect Peace has made an offer you dare not refuse: “PEACE I leave with you, MY PEACE I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jh.14:27). Peace cannot come by restive searching. As we begin the series of Meditations on Peace, simply COME by faith and RECEIVE the REST and PEACE that Jesus gives.