Peace

     I have always questioned what the peace was that God offered. Yes, I knew the definition of peace in the context of conflict, peace as the opposite of fighting. But, as the Koreans are aware, this kind of peace is not always peaceful. Or, as another possibility, peace could be viewed as carefree living saying "money doesn't buy happiness, but it surely buys peace." I believe a majority of people subscribe to one of these beliefs.
     I could not see God offering either of these to us as a gift, but I could not find an acceptable answer to my question, so I became a Christian without knowing what peace really meant. The problem is that I missed a key component  of what God offers to people who believe in Him. Peace is not a forced hiatus from conflict, nor can it be purchased with money. Thankfully, peace is calmess of soul in the face of adversity, brought on by an unyielding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
     If faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, than peace is the evidence of faith. In this definition, peace is the opposite of worry and can be experienced best in times of conflict. This is where we find truth in the love of God for His creation. We entered this world as a people seperated from the will of God and through His Son we can serve our King knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us. What better reason to have peace in our hearts when we already know our disposition and the righteousness of the One we follow.
     The Bible tells us that we cannot add a single hour to this life through worry, but if anyone follows Him, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily. We are to do this, not for long life or even for good life, but for the joy of following a righteous and loving King.