Peace

In a world full of distractions, trials, defeats, and worries, many of us, desire peace, of which there is "freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; there is tranquility; serenity." (6.) (Dictionary.com)

A picturesque symbol of peace to me is the view of an aquatic landscape. Nothing more peaceful than the jade tranquil waters on the coast of Rio or Hawaii or Jamaica. For hours in these areas, the sun warmly sits on the crisp oceans as the wind propels soft flowing currents... Beautiful shades of blue-green and white water softly *whooshes* on sandy ground. Every crests calmly moves just as a sleeping new born babe in his mother's arms. The scent is as fresh as the scent of a juniper when the wind blows through its evergreen leaves...In a mere second, an encounter of fresh aqua encompassed by a resting sun is pure tranquility embodied in just a glance and a simple whiff.

To experience my picturesque symbol of peace with in... forever... would be amazing...but is it possible to find perfect peace today? in this age? Well, Isaiah 26:3 tells us that *inner peace* is definitely attainable, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." So often I find my self wanting many, many things and honestly in the midst of that I lose focus on Who is important, God. When applying Isaiah 26:3, I find that what it says is true. When i focus on God, I have nothing to worry about. Why then do I often forget this and focus on things that are insignificant? Perhaps the answer is life. Clearly life throws us to and fro, to the ocean and then back to the fire to repeat this cycle all over again. In essence, life has its ups and downs. And when encountering those downs, we sometimes forget to stop worrying and wanting and simply to focus on God, instead. If we did, He would give us rest, mental tranquility. If everyone focused on God and obeyed Him, this world would be a peaceful one, as well; however, everyone does not focus on Him and will not until Jesus Christ returns here on Earth. Only then, will there be *world peace*, " they learn war no more" (Isaiah 2:4).

Nevertheless, until then Christians have been promised the gifts of God's Spirit if they obey Him. One gift of the Spirit is inner peace, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:22-24).

"Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires"...because peace or joy or faithfulness etc. given by God's Spirit is much more substantial than any carnal treasure.

Therefore, know that true peace, the greatest peace, the best peace comes from God and is given to those who are faithful and obedient. I pray to lay my worries aside and attain tranquility like the resting cynosure on a wave of moving water, I move slowly and calmly with assurance...no longer moving frantically to and fro, but calmly living like the gentle waters of my symbolic picturesque scenery of . . . . Peace