Inner Peace in a Troubled World

The central historical figure in the outworking of God's will is Jesus Christ, and when people study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, they learn  a lot about him.  The night he was born, angels sang God's praises: "Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill."  (Luke 2:14) When Jesus grew up, he was concerned about improving people's lives.  He understood their feelings and showed extraordinary compassion for the afflicted  and the sick. And, in harmony with the words of the angels, he brought a measure of inner peace to the meek. At the end of his ministry, he said to his disciples:  "I leave you peace, I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your heats be troubled nor let them shrink for fear." -John 14:27.

Jesus was more than a humanitarian. He compared himself to a shepherd, and he likened himself to a shepherd and he likened his meek followers to sheep when he said:  "I have come that they might have life and might have it in abundance. I am the find shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his soul in behalf of the sheep."  (John 10:10, 11)  Yes, in contrast with so many leaders today who came first and foremost about themselves, Jesus gave his life for his sheep. 

How can we benefit from what Jesus did?  Many are familiar with the words:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten son,in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life."  (John 3:16)  Exercising faith in Jesus requires , first of all, knowledge about him and his Father, Jehovah.  Knowledge of God and Jesus Christ can lead to an intimate relationship with Jehovah God that will help us to attain peace of mind.

Jesus said:  "My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  And I give them everlasting life, and they will by no means ever be destroyed, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."  (John 10:27, 28)  What warm, comforting words!  True, Jesus uttered them almost two thousand years ago, but they have as much force now as  they had back then.  Never forget that Jesus Christ is still alive and active, ruling now as the enthroned  King of God's heavenly Kingdom. Just as when he walked on earth those many years ago, he is self concerned about meek ones who long for peace of mind.  Further, he is still the Shepherd of his sheep.  If we follow him, he will help us to gain inner peace, which included a confident expectation of seeing in the future total peace-which will mean the absence of violence war and crime. 

Real benefits come from knowing and believing that Jehovah, through Jesus, will help us.  Remember Vania, who as a young girl was left with heavy responsibilities and thought that God had forgotten her? Now  Vania knows that God had not abandoned her.  She says:  "I learned that god is a real person with endearing qualities.  His love moved him to send his Son to earth to give us life. It is very important to know this."

Marcelo testifies that his relationship with God is real.  This former party goer comments:  "Young people often do not know what to do, and they end up harming themselves.  Some get involved  in drug abuse, as I did. I hope that many more will be blessed, as I was, by learning the truth about God and his Son."

Through a careful study of the Bible, Vania and Marcelo developed a strong faith in God and a confidence in his willingness to help them handle their problems. If we do what they did-study the Bible and apply what it says-we will discover a large measure of inner peace, just as they did. Then the encouragement of the apostle Paul will really apply in our case:  "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all though will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Jesus Christ." -Philippians 4:6, 7.

Next time" Finding Genuine Peace Today

The Watchtower, 2000