Peace and Happiness 

   “God can’t give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because there is no such thing.” (C. S. Lewis) 

   Peace and happiness are two of the most elusive goals in this world.  Everyone is searching for them, but few find them.  Looking for peace and happiness without looking to God is futile; there is no true peace and happiness without Him.

   It amazes me that in the most difficult of times some people remain at peace.  I read of the martyrs who were so brutally tortured and murdered and in each case they were at peace, even in their suffering.

   Some suffer greatly from serious illness or injury and yet maintain a joyful outlook on life.  They never despair or become depressed; they pass from this world peacefully.  They have the peace of God and the joy of knowing that the end of this life is only the beginning of eternal happiness.

   Peace is not found in money, some of the poorest people are the ones most at peace.  Happiness isn’t found in fame or fortune, most lives their lives in obscurity, but live happily.  I’ve never found more peace and happiness than in the monks in a monastery or Abbey.  They own nothing, they are not recognized in the world, but their peace is complete.  They have the peace and happiness of God.

   God promises peace and happiness to those who love Him; not just for today or a week or so but for eternity.  If we are not looking to Him, we will never find the peace we are searching for. 

   “Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you.” (John 14: 27)