What brings inner peace?
Many folks think it comes from prosperity. Everything would be okay if only I had more money. And so they work harder. They slave longer hours. They claw their way up the career ladder only to discover emptiness at the top.
No one would deny that money reduces stress in a lot of different ways. A reliable car, for instance, removes the worry of breaking down on the freeway. Food, health care, a roof over our heads with the mortgage being met regularly—all of these help make life easier, thanks to money. But money can never guarantee inner peace. One glimpse at a troubled celebrity’s life verifies this is true.
True peace thrives apart from circumstances and belongings. Jesus’ example and teaching prove this is true. Billy Graham made this observation: “Jesus didn’t leave a material inheritance to His disciples. All He had when He died was a robe, which went to the Roman soldiers; His mother, whom He turned over to His brother John; His body, which He gave to Joseph of Arimathea; and His Spirit, which returned to His Father. But Jesus willed His followers something more valuable than gold, more enduring than vast landholdings and more to be desired than palaces of marble—He willed us His peace.”
So how does one access that peace? Through a right relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. It begins by acknowledging Him as Savior –trusting Him for forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. And it grows as we pursue a friendship with Him by reading His Word and praying, by fellowshipping with other believers, and walking in obedience to His commands. Money has nothing to do with it.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you,” said Jesus. Herein lies the secret to inner peace. Do you know that peace today?
Well said Grace. I know in my family’s case, this year has been the worst financially we’ve ever had, yet by focusing on God’s Grace and the wondrous Gift that was (and is) Jesus Christ, I’ve felt more at peace this season than I ever expected. Yes, there’s still the mortal turmoils around us, but in God’s Light it becomes much easier to put them in proper perspective. Thank you for your post, and have a Blessed Day!
Yes, if we based our happiness on the state of circumstances or on the size of our bank account, we could tie ourselves in an emotional knot. This season I’m constantly reminded of the relevancy of the Christ’s name “Immanuel” — “God with us.” What a blessed difference that makes in my perspective!