Peace, Bring it all to Peace.

Do you remember in the Sandra Bullock movie Miss Congeniality when Sandra's character, Gracie, mocks beauty pageant contestants by acting out how they all say they want to work towards World Peace? Like, the goal for each contestant is achieving world peace?

I've spent a lot of time recently thinking about peace. Probably, it's because this time of year. Christmas songs talk a lot about peace.

Peace is defined as the freedom from disturbance, or the state of tranquility -- and I don't know about you, but "tranquil" is not an adjective I'd use to describe myself this year. Can I get an amen?

In fact, I'd say the world is anything but peaceful, right now. And the church? Wow, don't get me started.

But peace is something we all want, whether we'd admit it or not. I want to experience freedom from many things: pain, sin, anger, hurt. I want freedom from societal expectations, conflict, and mental illness. I want freedom from my own negative self-talk and self-doubt. "Freedom from disturbance" summarizes this longing well.

I don't believe world peace is a realistic expectation - at least, not right now. But I do believe Jesus has told me to take heart. He's called me to witness His victory over the disturbances of this world (John 16:33). When the seas of anxiety batter me to and fro, I cling to the Rock that is higher than I. I clench my hands, curl my toes, and wait for the Lord of Peace to give me the blessed assurance I need that He is good, no matter what. In the waiting for peace, I may be uncomfortable, uneasy, and concerned. But the peace He gives serves as a reminder that He is faithful even if I can't see Him, that He hears my cries.

The world may not be peaceful, friends, but we are still called to be peacemakers (Mt. 5:9). We can choose graciousness over grief, mercy over madness. We can create homes that are our sanctuaries of peace, our respites from the chaos. We can cultivate relationships that mirror peacefulness, choosing to live peaceably with all. "Peace on earth" starts with us, doesn't it?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. -John 14:27