The Source
Finding Peace
I wanted to share with you information critical to finding true and lasting peace. This would not be possible without me pointing you toward Jesus Christ, the “Lord of Peace.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16. There have been many things that have masqueraded as a source of peace in my life but none of them worked for long. Just momentary reprieves followed by crippling addiction and emptiness. It bears mentioning that even as I write this post, I have just passed five years of sobriety. Welcome to The Source.
It’s true that I have no formal training in theology or counselling and at times I hear the enemy whisper, “What makes you think you can help anyone? I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does. I don’t know the intimate details of your situation, but He does.
Up until 2003 I had only read a handful of books in my entire life. I just wasn’t a reader. After my “Christian” family banished me I needed answers. My faith had been shaken to the point where I almost walked away. I began reading anything and everything I could find on broken relationships, especially from a Christian perspective. Of the thirty plus books I devoured over a two year period it was the Bible that spoke the loudest and clearest. I have never questioned the authenticity of the Bible as being the inspired Word of God nor it’s authority as the ultimate source of truth.
A while ago I heard a lady say, “Christians are the most guilt ridden people I know!” Thank God for guilt. Without it we would keep on rolling down the road that leads to destruction, blissfully unaware that we are the ones driving. The Holy Spirit, active and alive in the heart of a believer, uses guilt as a means of correction. He lets us know when we are in error and acting out of character, the character of Christ Himself living in us. Even though I hindered His efforts and pushed back, He never gave up on me. I was always aware of His presence. Jesus is the only true source of peace.
Many homes have a family Bible, but all to often they are viewed as a decorative heirloom and never opened. An unopened Bible does about as much good as an unopened parachute to the one who’s falling. Open one and you will find love, peace and hope. It is the living Word of your creator giving you detailed instructions on how to find your way back to Him.
For scripture to have a life altering effect on the reader, they must first believe that it’s true. Followers of Jesus throughout history not only preached His Word with confidence and boldness but knew with certainty that the Holy Spirit went before them, working in the hearts of those who listened. This is why it is sometimes referred to as the “Living Word.” The very One who knew you before you were born and knit you together in your mother’s womb is the One who is writing to you. He is alive and ever present, watching, listening and answering. He is the one and only true God before which there is none higher.
The Bible has some difficult passages for each of us as they expose our pride and character flaws, areas of our lives that need work. We are naturally rebellious and have trouble submitting to anyone. We like to be in control of our own destinies and can harden our hearts against God’s ultimate and unquestionable authority. This leads to a darkened understanding. 1 Corinthians 2:14. If this is where you are, take heart, you don’t have to stay there. God’s Holy Spirit never gets tired and never takes a break. He is pursuing you, using His empowered Word to point you to Christ and bring you home.
We are all created in the image of God and are without excuse. If you are human then you witness His glory every day, all around you in all creation. Romans 1:18-20.
I have shared my belief in the Bible and my faith in Jesus Christ many times over the years. This has sometimes led to ridicule and other times to questions. I always ask the Lord to put the right words into my mouth if I am to say anything at all. Whether with friends, co-workers or customers the conversations are always exciting to me because I literally feel the presence of Christ in our midst. Some are in agreement while others say, “If Jesus is real then let Him appear before me right now and I will believe!” He did come, He did stand before men. Some accepted Him, others rejected Him, it is no different today. The New Testament is full of eyewitness accounts from those who knew Him, but again, this takes us back to the trustworthiness of the scriptures.
Many have tried to debunk the Bible over the years, especially intellectuals and those from a scientific background. They have been trained to experiment and question everything until they see the proof with their own eyes. God doesn’t mind people asking questions and He has nothing against science or the laws of physics, He created them. No one has been able to disprove the Bible and many of those who have tried only succeeded in confirming its validity. Many of them have come to faith in Christ.
Every prophecy foretold in the Bible that has already come true, has done so to the letter and those yet to be fulfilled will do likewise. Fortune tellers and mediums have plenty of clientele all looking for what lies ahead, what’s going to happen in the future. The Bible tells us that our lives are short and to use our time wisely, that this cursed world is passing away. Those who know Jesus Christ as their saviour have nothing to fear. Everything that He has promised to do, will be done.
Some parts of the Bible are a little dry, especially the genealogies, but they are there for a reason. I always suggest that new comers start in the New Testament, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Ask the Lord to open your eyes and heart, to guide your thoughts as you read. If you know Him already, wonderful. If you want to know Him, wonderful. Seek Him with all your heart, and you will find Him. Jeremiah 29:13.
It helps to have a thirst for God’s Word. I had read bits and pieces of the Bible from time to time but it wasn’t until tragedy struck that I read it from cover to cover searching for answers. I have not been disappointed. I would recommend not waiting until calamity strikes before reading the entire story. You will be far better prepared to weather the coming storms if you have biblical knowledge and wisdom. I know a few people with great knowledge of the scriptures, but lack the wisdom to use it correctly. “…if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…” James 1:5.
In today’s world, things that were once highly offensive, shocking and completely unacceptable have become main stream. We are becoming hardened and desensitized. This can easily spill over into our relationships and cause us to throw in the towel long before we should.
The character of Jesus is the ultimate example of how we should treat each other. He didn’t just tell us, He showed us. He died for us and the only thing He asks in return is that we live for Him. No matter where you go nothing affects your life more deeply than relationships. God made us that way. We are social beings, we need Him and we need each other. God created the family and He holds it in very high regard, so should we.
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