Peace is attained in the silence that comes when the heart stands still.

-Helen Steiner Rice

Most of our lives are spent chasing after dreams that truly never bring about long lasting joy and peace. Many spend moments looking for that magical place that will finally bring peace. The problem with this magical place is found within searching, that brings anxiety, stress, and a sense of failure. When we think “I’ll be happier when I get a better paying job; when I get mom moved into a nursing home; or when my husband quits treating me this way.”

Somehow the idea of something changing on the outside is suppose to give internal peace that will last forever. When we truly begin to seek peace in our life, this search needs to start from the inside of a person and not through the environment of that person. Christ spoke of peace in a very different way. “I leave you with peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 NCV). The world gives peace by trying to change the outside. For example, if you had a faster, newer car you would be happy. If you had a motorcycle, boat or lake house, you would be happy. If your kids or wife just did what you wanted them to do, then you would be happy. If your boss would get off your case, then you could be happy. All of these worldly ways are only a temporary fix for a heart that is troubled.