ʻPeace, peace, wonderful peace…ʼ

Church/Local

ʻPeace, peace, wonderful peace…ʼ

ʻAWord from the Pastorʼ By Clayton Adams

“Peace, peace, wonderful peace…” Many may recognize those words from an old gospel hymn in most church songbooks. Peace is what the world is missing.

In early life I grew up on Air Force bases throughout America; Jacksonville, Biloxi, San Antonio, Anchorage and my father spent more years around the world on military bases. Then, peace came through strength. Listening to the politicians who seek the highest office this year peace will be ours if we elect any one of them.

Peace doesn't come from money – because if one has money then more time is devoted to protecting, guarding and worrying about those who are trying to get that money – no peace there. Many people believe that peace will be theirs through achieving success – but peace comes from only one source and is elusive by design. The greatest disappointment and loneliest moment in life comes quickly on the heals of experiencing something which one believed would bring the ultimate feeling of ecstasy, satisfaction and peace only to discover that expectations and long held dreams have let us down. Reality is never as good as our expectations and dreams.

So where does peace come from? How can you have peace in your life? May I suggest two steps. Step one – accept Christ as your savior and allow Him to free you of the guilt of sin (those things you said, thought or did that you knew to be wrong). Two references in step one can be found in the Holy Bible: Romans 19:9-10 and John chapter 3 and the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus.

Step two – follow the way indicated by the apostle Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:4, 6-8) Step two has a directive to offer, “thanksgiving”, in all that you bring and present to God. Giving thanks and being thankful is directly linked to having peace. How thankful one is is reflected in the peace one enjoys. If you are searching for peace in your life, accept Christ and begin to be thankful. Remember, peace isn't what happens to you, peace comes from how you react to what has happened.

God knows what you have, who you are and what you will go through, peace comes from knowing Him and being thankful in all you have and all you do.

Clayton Adams is pastor at Earle First Assembly of God. You can e- mail him at cpalaa@ yahoo. com, or find Earle First Assembly on Facebook.