I visited with a young lady to invite her to church. We had talked for only a few moments when tears welled up in her eyes and she became very emotional. It was clear that she was deeply distressed.
I shared with her what Christ meant to me and how through faith in him I had found peace and happiness in life.
She replied, “I really could use some of that.”
There are many people who are looking for peace and happiness in life. So far as I know, Christ is the only one who can offer it to you permanently. To be sure—you can find temporary peace in the form of escape through liquor, tranquilizers, or other kinds of drugs. However, they offer only momentary relief and usually permanent despair.
How can Christ give us peace?
First, he forgives our sins and cleanses us from our past. Much of our unhappiness and many of our anxieties are rooted in our past mistakes, failures, and sins. Only Christ can forgive sins and wash away guilt so that we have the opportunity to begin life afresh and anew.
Second, he accepts us. We all need to be loved and accepted for what we are and what we may become. Even though others may reject us, God loves us and wants the best for us. He enables us to look at ourselves in the mirror and not be ashamed or disappointed by what we see.
Third, he gives us purpose and meaning. Everyone needs purpose and meaning in life. Without these life is not worth living. It soon degenerates to the animal level. Life for the Christian is going somewhere. There is a purpose and meaning to our days.
Fourth, he gives us hope. No matter how dark the present, God offers us a glorious future. I’m talking about heaven and eternal life. We all need and long for that assurance. Christ offers it to us. Anyone who has forgiveness, acceptance, purpose, and hope will also have peace. That’s what peace is made of. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).