Is peace an inside-out or an outside-in job?

Because I am an activator, my default inclination is to immediately rush into action and start clearing out cupboards, desk drawers, fridge, freezer, and filing cabinets; tossing out 'stuff', giving away bags of clothing, cutting up credit cards, and applying a militant hack and slash to our diaries. Taking ruthless external action makes me feel more in control of the chaos and although my world may even look good for a moment, a day, a week or a month, oh boy, I’ve learnt the hard way: my frenetic efforts to control my external world (and sometimes even Claude’s) don’t actually bring lasting external change or inner peace and serenity.

Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, reminds Christians that we have died to all our outward attempts. Exercising our willpower on our outward circumstances and behaviour will never bring the level of genuine peace and serenity that we long for. The perfect shelves, drawers, and cabinets I have so meticulously organised will eventually start to reveal dirt and disorder. My deepest inner struggles that I try so hard to mask and medicate (yes, even with coffee and cake) will eventually be revealed too.

Peace cannot be willed or worried or controlled or comfort eaten into being. The first step on the road to sustainable serenity is not to move into a frenzy of action, but rather to SLOW DOWN. 

Be still, and know that I am God; 
I will be exalted among the nations, 
I will be exalted in the earth 
(Psalm 46:10 NKJV)

Being still, even when God suggests it, doesn't come naturally to me and it's so completely contrary to the world's system where we've been taught to 'wear our busyness' as a badge of honour!

True peace begins with finding times to be alone with God. Lots of time. Resting. Often. In beholding Him, I’m reminded of His love for me. The gift of no condemnation is what truly frees me to change, but from the inside out. The kind of change that I could never ever will into being no matter how hard I tried. That which disqualifies me, is the very qualification Jesus freely offers me at the Cross.

And in the quiet, the Spirit of God washes away that which is scarred and scared and stubborn and self-sabotaging within me. Gently the layers of my straining and striving are removed and I begin to reflect the peace of the One who is perfect 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, neither let it be afraid. (John 16:27 NKJV)

Jesus spoke the above passage in Hebrew, so the word he used for peace was shalom, which Wikipedia defines as "a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility.. "

My jubilant reply is, "Yes please, and thank you, Jesus, I receive the fullness of Your 'shalom' peace." Fully. Fully.

In finding acceptance and rest, once the restlessness of my inner self finally settles, I can see with unveiled eyes and a serene spirit the very truth I've been rushing right past every day. It is this: Peace is not a state of mind. It is not a method of housekeeping or a style of hosting or an on-line system of appointment keeping. It is not a philosophy or a theology. It is not floating on a lilo or swaying in a hammock. It is not loads of cash in the bank. It is not a second bond or passport, just in case. It is not a goal weight, an owned house, a decor style, a yoga pose, or yet another self-help programme.

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong per se with any of these things, but, I've discovered that 'Peace, Hope, and Love' is a person, and His name is Jesus. 

Let nothing disturb you
Let nothing frighten you.
Those who cling to God
will lack nothing
Let nothing disturb you
let nothing frighten you
God alone is enough.
(Saint Teresa)

Who or what brings you peace in troubled times?

Does your peace last, or does it come and go?