107 of 365 - Peace

…Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.  Isaiah 9:6-7
 
Is it well with your soul?  On a scale of 1 to 10 (1= never and 10=always) how often do you truly feel at peace?
 
Peace is something we all want but is often so hard to get. Both externally in a world filled with conflict, war, violence, lack of unity, political and cultural tension…and internally in our soul and daily lives.
 
Separation from God causes peace to elude us. Disunity, loneliness, unrepentant sin, anxiety, and fear are things that keep peace at bay. The world is lacking internal and external peace, despite incredible advancements, new technology, more communication methods, secular counselors, and self-help books flying off the shelves. We look for peace in all the wrong places.
 
When the birth of Jesus is announced by the angel to the shepherds, these words are proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-13) Until Jesus’s final kingdom is established, the earth will not be a peaceful place. However, peace is available to those with whom He is pleased. And God is pleased with believers who put their hope in the work of Jesus. We can experience this peace, both here on earth and forever in heaven.
 
Think about Jesus’s life on earth. Though misunderstood, shunned, and persecuted, Jesus was at peace. He knew He was always doing God’s will. He was always on mission. He was confident in His purpose and He always took time to abide in His Father. The Prince of Peace modeled peace and offers peace to those who put their hope in Him.
 
Questions: What keeps peace at a distance and so hard to obtain?  Where/when do you feel the least/most at peace?