Peace

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you.

Not as the world gives, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Peace (pēs) n. [[ME pais]]

1 freedom from war

2 a treaty or agreement to end war

3 freedom from public disturbance or disorder

4 freedom from disagreement or quarrels; harmony

5 an undisturbed state of mind; absence of mental conflict;

6 serenity; calm, quiet; tranquility

The 2011 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded this morning to three women:  Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and activist Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and activist Tawakkul Karman of Yemen.  All three have been strong activists in their homelands for peace, democracy, and the rights of women.  Upon hearing of her award, Ms. Karman stated: “We cannot build our country, or any country in the world, without peace.”

Peace is a very rare commodity to find in this world.  There is always another demonstration, gang violence, crime, civil disturbance, terrorist attack, or war.  Fifty-four countries are currently embroiled in 463 separate armed conflicts, against other nations and against 209 militia/guerrillas and separatist groups.  In many areas of our world, peace has not existed for decades. 

I believe that within the human heart, peace is one of the most important aspects of a healthy life.  Without the absence of mental conflict, there is stress, anger, hostility, and fear.  If the world cannot provide the peace we need, what options do we have? 

Jesus promises a different kind of peace – unlike anything the world has to offer.  His peace is complete and eternal – offered to us in the midst of the conflict that will always be a part of the human experience.  Knowing that He is in control and that our lives have been placed in His hands brings a serenity that is heaven-borne and life-centered.

Statistics online at Wars in the World.com

A list of ongoing conflicts

Updated 10/6/2011