I have been thinking a lot about peace in the world. This thought was sparked in my mind as a result of what we seem to witness so frequently on the television about how little peace there is in so many parts of the world. As I reflected on this subject, my mind went back to December 18, 2011, when I watched the events that were unfolding in that part of the world known as Iraq. I watched on the television of how the last troops from the United States were leaving Iraq, as reported by certain reporters. The Iraqi War as we knew it was history.
I knew that as I watched those United States soldiers cross the Iraqi border into the safer confines of Kuwait, as I now reflect back, I could tell that they were happy to be in Kuwait and I am sure that their families were overjoyed by the thought of them being out of the land that was a war zone for so many years.
Obtaining peace is certainly a desire that we should have for this world. We are thankful to all of those soldiers who have given their lives to defend our nation against attacks from evil and to help defend other nations against attacks from evil forces. We are thankful to God for what He has done in helping these soldiers. There are times when our nation has been involved in defending itself in wars. Our desire should be for right to prevail in just causes and that peace would be gained in the world. Jesus says in John 16:33, “These things I have 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.”
There is nothing more comforting than the Word of God. By listening to the Words of Jesus, our souls find peace. Peace is not to be found in the world and while I am thankful that the Iraq War has ended, I realize that our country still has troops stationed in various parts of the world. We should hope and pray for wars to end. One war will continue to the Judgment Day and that is the war against evil and so we are always in need of fighting the good fight of faith. Great comfort should be taken from knowing that our Savior overcame the world and we can too. Overcoming the world involves us relying on God’s Word and keeping it, which leads to peace (Proverbs 3:12).
Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Let us work for peace, while never compromising God’s Word. Let us thank God for the ending of wars in which the United States has been involved in recent years. Let us remember to pray for the safety of the troops who remain abroad. Let us work for peace in the world!
-Jason Gann
