Shalom Pr Wilson K Chacko

Man is in constant pursuit happiness. Every individual for is in peace quest and for a peaceful home, peaceful job and peaceful kids or in one word a “peaceful life.” Naturally, everyone has their own version of definition of peace.

We often confuse peace with happiness or joy. We think that a peaceful person is a happy person. Happiness is a sense of well-being whereas peace is a state of mind. One can always be 'at peace' irrespective of the situation. Happiness is a result of a positive event. Never has one felt elated when they go through a difficult phase in their life. For instance, when a person achieves his long-term desire, he could be overjoyed or gratified, but, not necessarily, be at peace with the achievement. We live in a world where materialistic fulfillment is considered to be the key to a peaceful life. It is a fact that there is always a sense of need in everyone's life at any given point. But peace is a sense of inner satisfaction or contentment with what we have. Recently, I read an article about a 93-year-old woman, who recently passed away in Italy due to COVID 19, refused to use the ventilator stating that she had already lived a good life and it could be used to save someone who is younger. Some tend to think that a life without hassles is peaceful. This is a myth as there is no one in the world who is without a problem. Once a lady, who was grief stricken due to the sudden demise of her husband, consulted with a saint to get answers. He asked her to go out and find at least one house where there has been no death. All her efforts in finding such a house were in vain as she couldn't find any. Everyone in the world, irrespective of young, old, rich, poor, healthy and sick have their own challenges. Therefore, we need to understand that it may not always be practically possible to stay happy. However, it is possible to be at peace during a storm. According to the Scriptures, there are two kinds of peace such as ‘worldly peace’ and ‘heavenly peace.’ As the name implies, ‘worldly peace’ is volatile whereas ‘heavenly peace’ is everlasting. That's why Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The basic

difference is that the peace that God gives is “inner peace.” It nourishes our soul. Jesus emphasized that His peace is “God's own peace” because He is the “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ). How can a child of God live a peaceful life in this world? There are numerous passages in the Scripture that helps a believer to find peace in Christ during unfavorable circumstances:

Christian life is like a rosebush filled with roses and thorns. It is not always bright and fragrant; it might also be dark and painful. As a child of God, we must remember that we are not alone in our journey, God is with us. Jesus has promised to be with us till the end of the world (Mathew 28:20). Though we might endure various problems in our Christian walk, we can be rest assured that He knows it all. He knows our weaknesses. Paul says that, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is not about the size of the problem or the solution; nevertheless, it is all about the divine peace which one experiences in the midst of crisis.

Despite the divine peace of God within us, it is paramount to display courage during chaos. David says,” Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalms 23:4). The phrase 'Do not fear' is mentioned 366 times in the Bible. Whenever our hearts get troubled our soul grows weary. The Bible tells us how to safeguard our hearts from trouble in Psalms 42:11- “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”We must learn not to panic during unsavory circumstances rather lean on Christ. “For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and love and self- control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The Bible records persecution of God's people in both the Old and New Testaments. Christians are persecuted as their belief in Jesus Christ as Savior does not conform to the godlessness of a sinful world. Jesus Christ has forewarned us that we will go through trials and tribulation. Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Have you ever wondered how Paul and Silas worshipped God though they were chained and imprisoned or how Peter could sleep so peacefully in the dungeon though he was ordered to be executed the next morning? This accounts to the peace of God that passes all understanding. As Phil 4:7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The whole world is in turmoil and uncertain of its destiny. God protected the Israelites when the angel of Death passed over every house whose door post was painted with the blood of the Lamb. These are the testing times where we must portray our faith like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They said, “If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:17. We must trust that our God will deliver us in this time of pandemic else we have a blessed hope that we will meet Him on the other shore. Our God is a God of freedom, he has given us absolute freedom to choose our destiny. it is up to us to decide which peace we need. People normally tend to be susceptible to worldly peace but a wise person always prefers God's Peace. Amen.

Pr. Wilson K Chacko is currently serving as a senior minister at Church of God (Full Gospel) in India, Chandapura, Bangalore. Besides he works as a senior Manager for an MNC. He is married to Sabi and is blessed with two sons Joel (16) and Gerald (10).