(Jesus said) "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. . . ." John 14:27a

Although it was frustrating when I was in school, there are times I'm glad I'm no genius when it comes to mathematics.

That's because I've figured out figuring can be pretty discouraging.

For example, people who are in a position to know have calculated that over the last 3,100 years of recorded world history, the nations of the earth have enjoyed peace about eight percent of the time.

Before you get your calculators out, let me tell you that is about 286 years.

Depressing? I'm not done. During that same period of time, around 8,000 treaties have been made -- and broken.

Yes, there are times when I'm glad I'm not good with numbers.

As I look at all the people I meet, I wonder what percentage of their days is filled with peace. Far too many of the folks I encounter think of peace as nothing more than a fairytale wish.

There is always something which seems to rob people of peace. It can be a big thing like war, or a less-global thing like the person who gossips about us or takes the parking place we were waiting for.

There's always something robbing us of peace.

That's why it's important for us to take all those peace-destroyers to the Lord. He is the only Person who can send them permanently packing.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, sometimes there are peace-robbers surrounding me. Other times, my worries alone can make me miserable. I rejoice in Your forgiveness, in Your salvation, and in the peace which comes from living in Your presence. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 8-10    Luke 4:1-30

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