TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
They don’t know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace.
Isaiah 58:8 (NLT)
NO PEACE
Guitarist Jimi Hendrix said, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will finally know peace.” Hendrix overdosed on sleeping pills and died on September 18, 1970. He died without the world finding peace through love.
Musician John Lennon stated, “If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.” Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to the song “Give Peace a Chance” sold at auction for $833,654. Another song by Lennon says, “Imagine all the people living in peace.” Lennon was murdered in New York City on December 8, 1980. He died without experiencing the peace he had imagined would come to earth.
In 100 Portraits of Christ, Henry Gariepy writes, “Peace often seems to be the most sought for and, at the same time, the most elusive treasure. The great cry of the world is for peace. The diligent and devoted effort of so many world leaders and diplomats is on behalf of peace. Yet history seems to mock their effort and confirm the futility of man’s search for peace.”
Isaiah 58:8 describes people who map out crooked roads in an effort to find peace. The word picture is another way of describing people who try to find peace apart from God. In Psalm 199:105 the psalmist describes God Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. God’s Word and God’s way leads to peace.
REFLECTION
What are some of the futile ways you have seen the world try to find peace without God? What are some ways you have tried to find peace without God? Why does the Bible teach us Jesus is able to give us peace that we can’t find anywhere else?
PRAISE
John 14:26-27 says “The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” A gift can’t be earned or paid for. A gift is simply received. Thank God for offering the gift of peace.
