World Peace

John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.

          Everyday newspaper headlines confirm the truth of Jesus' words, "In this world you will have trouble."
          Centuries ago, war on one side of the world would not impact the other.  Today our world is small and the fallout of conflict and the reach of weapon power weaves a fabric of caution and fear on every continent.
          For sure God would like for us to live in peace.  He just doesn't promise it.  Having given us free will, he doesn't impose his will when we have disputes.

I Timothy 2:1, 2
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

          The Bible addresses peace on several levels.  In the above passage, it talks about a peace at a national level.  In several passages we are encouraged to access inner peace through our faith in the midst of turmoil.  In fact he promises us a peace "which transcends all understanding."  (Philippians 4:6, 7)  And it really doesn't make sense to most people to be calm in a storm.
          Still, the most important peace we can seek, and the one the Bible addresses the most is peace with God.  For many it's hard to acknowledge that we are enemies of God, waging war against his will for our lives, but all of us have been there.  (Romans 8:6, 7)
          Finding peace with God makes us able to cope with every earthly source of turmoil.  Understanding and having peace with God puts the rest of life into perspective. 
          You may be familiar with Richard Carlson's book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff.  Great title!  But it is no small thing that God extends peace to us.  Knowing we have peace with God is what makes everything else the small stuff.

Colossians 1:19, 20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.