Finding peace

I remember talking to a Malaysian friend and he was telling me how hectic Singapore felt compared to his home.  Everyone in Shenton Way walking 100 miles an hour, and the almost palpable sense of frenzy, a sort of buzz in the air.  Having just returned to Singapore from a trip to Hong Kong, I thought to myself that that was exactly how I felt about Hong Kong compared to Singapore!

I suppose that's why many of us like taking beach holidays in places like Bali, or come back from driving trips to Western Australia gushing about the relaxed pace of life there.

Maybe we're worried about our children's future - PSLE, 'O' levels, 'A' levels.  Or we fear getting older, getting ill.  Or perhaps family struggles - difficult spouse, children, parents or in-laws.  And of course, this being Singapore, the demands of work, work and more work... Depending on where you are in life, there's just a slew of things that gnaw at us day after day.  So where's the peace?

The story is told of an art gallery which held a competition on the theme of "Peace".  The winning painting turned out to be of the scene of an ocean tempest, with lightning crackling through the atmosphere, torrential rain, and surging waves, crashing against the jagged face of some inhospitable cliffs.  Where was the peace?

On a tiny ledge, there is a nest.  And on that nest, is a mother bird.  Closely snuggled next to her are her chicks, sound asleep.

That.  Is.  Peace.

Sometimes we think peace is found if we retreat from the battle - just stay away from troublesome relatives, or lie low at work, or pretend an issue doesn't exist with our rebellious children.  We try to find "alone time" at a quiet beach or even an empty church.

But at some point, we have to dive back into real life.

Have you ever been lost, driving in pouring rain?  Not much peace there.  The wipers are at full speed, trying their best to give you visibility, but it still feels dangerous because you can't really see in front or around you.  Worse, you're not sure where you are, whether you need to turn at the next junction, and if there's an unexpected collision awaiting around the corner.  Stressful!

We can stop in a covered lay-by.  Then there's some respite.  But we're still in the middle of nowhere.  And we still need to head back into the rain.  Until we figure out where we are and start moving off to our destination, we're still lost.  But when we've looked at the map, found our destination and route, and moved off - ah, there's peace.  Even in the rain - we now know where we're going and how we're going to get there!

So peace isn't found in a beautiful building, or quiet surroundings.  Peace is found when we are in the midst of trouble, and we are serene inside.  And we are serene not merely because we have emptied ourselves, but because we have found direction.  If you're lost in a storm, are you really comforted if you go ohmmmm.... I'll just hang around here and it doesn't matter where I am?  No of course not.  You figure out the way home, then you have peace.

Real peace is found when we go out, with a sense of purpose and direction, and when we are right in the middle of this messy world, we bring peace to that situation, and to those around us, not when we retreat to shelter.  Quite interestingly, the Bible doesn't say blessed are the peaceful.  It says blessed are the peacemakers.  For they will be called children of God.  Matthew 5:9

Finding peace is not about meditative "inner peace".  It is about moving forward.  Don't settle for less - respite, by itself, is not peace.  There's nothing wrong with seeking respite.  In fact it's great to take time to be still.  Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God".

But the purpose of being still, is to gather yourself, grab hold of God, and then move forward with purpose.  Jesus promises this peace in John 14:27, 31  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid... Come now; let us leave."

When did Jesus say these words?  Just before He was arrested and later crucified.

Peace in the midst of the storm.  Not merely respite from the rain.

Blessing all of you with a peaceful weekend and a fruitful week to come!

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