The Pursuit of Peace

Interestingly, the very things that rob us of our peace are the exact things we're convinced are our solutions to getting it back. However, we often discover these peaceful solutions are either counterfeit or temporary. Why? Because everything in this world is futile.

“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 12:8 CSB)

People are futile. Jobs are futile. Possessions are futile.

By no means am I insinuating that we should not have a trusted person, a place of escape to recharge and reset, or even enjoy the finer possessions in life. But then what?

If we find ourselves always looking to people, places, or possessions to bring us into a space of solace, we may find ourselves chasing an elusive butterfly. That gets exhausting very quickly.

The Bible is clear in that we will not find true peace in anything that the world has to offer us.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives... (John 14:27 CSB)

Our source of peace comes only from the one true God. Even if there seems to be peace through the form of a resource (person, place, thing), we should ascertain that it comes from God.

When God called Jeremiah to help save Judah, they had already been deceived. They listened to false prophets who told them repeatedly that they would have peace. But those prophets were not sent by God.

Amid turmoil, Satan cunningly sends us what appears to be the peace we desire but we must be prudent.

We must stay alert and be disciplined in seeking God at all costs. Otherwise, we may be deceived just as were the people of Judah.

Reflecting Beyond the World

What have you been tangibly gravitating towards in the world as a substitution for genuine peace?

Prayer

Father God, please give me the wisdom to seek peace that comes only from you and give me the discernment to know when the resource is a deception of the enemy.