Peace

 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:7-8

People are searching for peace in the world.

They are searching in the wrong places.

Book stores and library shelves are lined with self-help books, prayers, chants, meditations, crystals, candles, incense, philosophies, opinions, traditions and even superstitions. YouTube has endless videos of celebrities, Guru's, and philosophers who will walk and talk you through any crisis. 

They seem to have all of the answers but leave the Searcher anxious and hopeless.

But God.

How can a person find peace?

It comes from surrendering control over to God.

This peace is securely held in place by faith in Jesus Christ.  According to Albert Barnes, "Instead of fretting over worldly or corrupting concerns, Believers are meant to purposefully meditate on anything that is true, pure, lovey and of a good report.  Whatever is inherently excellent or worthy of praise should be the focus of the Christian's careful consideration and practice."

Today, when I read what to think on, I compared it to what I should not think on.

For example:

Instead of focusing on lies, I will focus on truth.

Instead of focusing on opinions and deceit, I will focus on honesty.

Instead of focusing on the contaminated, or diluted impure ideologies, I will focus on what is pure.

Instead of focusing on what is ugly, repulsive, awful and terrible, I will focus on what is lovely.

Instead of focusing on gossip and fake News, I will focus on what is uplifting, honorable and gracious: good reports.

Instead of focusing on the negative, I will focus on every excellent thing that is praiseworthy.

Focusing on what is good produces contentment...

        Peace in thought, mind, heart and spirit...

            But that's just me!

"No human philosophy can impart peace to the soul like simple, absolute confidence in God."

Albert Barnes