"GIVE PEACE A CHANCE"

The Beatles first told us that in lyrics many years ago. Ok, I'm sure they weren't the first. Also, while I'm at it, I know this bird is not a dove. It was the perfect picture for this post, and that's why I chose it.

The non-descript white bird initially looks peaceful. Yet upon closer inspection, he looks a little fraggled. That's the bird of peace for this world, where our peace is transitory at best. The peace that God gives is the peace of the dove. It's calming. It's so lasting, it's eternal. Receiving God's gracious gift of salvation brings us peace (Rom 5:1) But the peace of the moment, the peace in this life is such a blessing as well.

How is this peace achieved? By turning over control. By giving control to God, we relieve quite a burden. What's more is that that is exactly what God wants. His peace will guard us against those forces that we have no control over anyway(s). For instance, I could easily get upset when I look at the slate of candidates vying to be our President in 2008. When I catch part of the debate on tv, I find my blood pressure rising. I need the calmness that only God can provide.

Jesus is even called the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6). By accepting Him as Lord and Savior and turning over our lives to God, we'll secure that peace. Don't get me wrong--there'll be plenty of valleys in this life. But we'll know where can find "Peace in the Valley".