Shalom, Shalom

        It doesn't take long when you read the morning paper, or listen to the news that you finally discover that the world is not abiding under peaceful conditions.  The leader of a foreign country made the statement supposedly that the button for nuclear war was on his table.  Well, we can say that we are not living in a world of peaceful conditions.  So, what's new?  In 1985, over 50 wars, some big, some small, were going on somewhere in the word.  Man does not live with the goal of world peace in his thinking.  We sometimes can't even find peace in smaller groups of people from businesses or schools, or churches or even in families.  Where can we find real peace?   Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."  
     God here defines this peace as "perfect peace."  Now, that's the kind to have.  The Hebrew language has a word for peace which is, "shalom."  In this passage the words are, "shalom, shalom"  Yes, two identical words which become translated as "perfect peace."  God's Word points to God Himself as the author of this "perfect" peace.  We find that perfect peace, and it doesn't get any better than that, comes when a person is completely trusting in God.  Have you come to that point in your life?  Do you trust God to take care of the problems in your life?  Do you trust God to take care of the finances in your life?  Do you trust God to mend broken relationships?  If we admit it, things at times look a little bleak and we may not be able to discern how they are going to get better, even just a little better.  God is able to do the impossible things.  We are even reminded that it was God would could do the impossible when a statement was made saying that with God, all things are possible.  Just look at God's record.  God parted the red Sea and the Israelites walked through on "dry" ground.   God made water come from a rock.  God fed the Israelites with manna from heaven for 40 years.  God overshadowed Mary and the incarnation took place.  Jesus was raised from the dead in the most miraculous resurrection.  Jesus ascended into heaven even as the disciples were watching.  Based On God's record, I would say that He provides "perfect peace" to those who trust fully in Him.  So, in the midst of an unpeaceful world, you can still find peace.  Praise God today for providing peace for all of us through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.