What we love more than anything about coming home, about being at home. Can be described in one word. A word that many of us know but don't use that much. A word that is used mostly these days as a farewell word. Most people in our world don't understand this word as a positive concept. All they know is the negative aspect of this word, which is merely the absence of trouble.  

PEACE. 

   When we are at home we find Peace there. The word Peace is described as, freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity. A state of tranquillity or serenity.

   This is what we love about coming home or just being at home. We find this Peace there and it is hard to find in other places. We don't even think about it or focus on it, but when we are at home this word Peace overcomes us. So much so that at times we find it hard to leave home.

   But then there is another kind of Peace. A peace that is like no other. A peace that deals with more than circumstances. It deals with the inner body. It is an inner Peace. A Peace that is in the home of our heart. A Peace that is not just the absence of trouble. 

   Where does a man find the kind of peace that is not just the absence of trouble--the kind of peace that cannot be affected by trouble, danger, or sorrow? It is ironic that what is surely the most definitive discourse on Peace in all of Scripture comes from the Lord Jesus on the night before He died in agony. He knew what He was facing, yet He still took time to comfort His disciples with the message of Peace:

   Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)

   The Peace Jesus is speaking of enables believers to remain calm in the most wildly fearful circumstances. It enables them to hush a cry, still a riot, rejoice in pain and trial, and sing in the middle of suffering. This Peace is never by circumstances, but instead affects and even overrules them.

   This is the Peace that Paul speaks about in Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The peace of God is not based on circumstances like the world's peace, so it doesn't always make sense to the carnal mind; Paul says it is a peace that surpasses comprehension. It doesn't seem reasonable that such peace could exist in the midst of the problems and troubles Christians go through. But this is divine, supernatural peace; it cannot be figured out on a human level.

   The word for "guard" in Philippians 4:7 is not the word that means to "watch," or "keep imprisoned." It is a word that is often used in a military sense, meaning "to stand at a post and guard against the aggression of an enemy." When peace is on guard, the Christian has entered an impregnable citadel from which nothing can dislodge him. The name of the fortress is Christ, and the guard is peace. The peace of God stands guard and keeps worry from corroding our hearts, and unworthy thoughts from tearing up our minds.

   This is the kind of peace men really want: They want a peace that deals with the past, one where no strings of conscience dipped in the poison of past sins tear at them and torture them hour by hour. They want a peace that governs the present, with no unsatisfied desires gnawing at their hearts. They want a peace that holds promise for the future, where no foreboding fear of the unknown and dark tomorrow threatens them. And that is exactly the peace through which the guilt of the past is forgiven; by which the trials of the present are overcome; and in which our destiny in the future is secured eternally. 

   Most people who lack peace simply have not taken the time to pursue it. God's peace comes to those with the personal discipline to stop in the midst of the maelstrom of life and take time to seek Him. It is a condition of peace that we cease from life's activity and know Him. He commands, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10, King James Version). And to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Him, He gives the gift of peace.

   So I ask you this day, " Will you come Home? Will you pursue peace in your heart?"

   Will you be still and know that God is the God of peace? Will you accept His peace that He so freely gives to you?

Come Home