Listen to enough people and your hear them pursuing “peace:”

* Inner peace,

* Peace  with themselves,

* Peace as opposed to  being a worry-wart,

* Peace in difficult relationships,  circumstances, or finances,

* Peace with difficult kids.

Without God, people are left to find peace by their (1) circumstances and (2) own efforts. Think about that. How good are we at controlling our circumstances?  That’s like trying to control the weather! And how are you at controlling your efforts to bring you peace? Sometimes:

* NO amount of perfect effort can bring peace.

* My efforts are “spotty,” bringing some peace but not enough. We jump on ourselves to “do better” which instantly brings less internal peace.

Relying on circumstances and my efforts to find peace is like taking a cruise on an iceberg. I may actually get to where I want to go, but is it worth the effort? What’s missing?

Peace with myself STARTS with finding peace with God.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Being at peace with God means we can also be at peace with ourselves. Peace with God doesn’t come from my efforts. It comes from God, received with child-like faith.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were trying to hide from themselves and God. Our Lord took everything sinful on Himself that we might experience freedom and peace.

This is only possible for the genuine Christian. Why? Only Jesus Christ can deliver!!!! “Religion” doesn’t, being “religious” doesn’t, being “sincere” doesn’t.

John 16:33 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.”

Being at peace with God, receiving peace from Christ means you can be at peace right now. Period.