Peace is Possible

The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

"Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life." (From In the Name of Jesus).

Fear Not, God shows up! Faith repels fear.
Fear Not, Be Grateful, for your value is given by God!

Fear Not – Peace is Possible now, and inevitable in Jesus.

Question: Do current events and world crises make you anxious?

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!,, Luke 2:8–14.

εἰρήνη= Peace εὐδοκία = Favor

Favor = we are a joy to our Father.

… we always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith, 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

It is not behavior modification; it is spiritual transformation.
Peace = Wholeness
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. John 14:27
“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.”-Thomas Watson
Question: Why did God have to be human to accomplish peace on earth? 
Peace is Possible
God’s presence leads to peace
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isa 26:3
The Journey of following Jesus leads to peace.
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Psalm 119:165 

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. Isaiah 32:17 

I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6.
13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13.

Practicing the love of Christ leads to peace
As follow Jesus in unity, we are led to Peace even as we point people to Peace.

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19 

We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. 2 Co 4:8–9.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Fear Not! Peace is possible now, and is inevitable in Jesus!

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20.

Our response to the peace, the wholeness that Jesus brings is… praise!

Reflection
What can you praise God for today?
What burden in this world can you give to God so you may have peace?