"Peace on Earth"

Cowboys know there’s peace on earth,

‘Cause that’s just where they ride,

Out there where the wind blows free,

And the far horizon’s wide.

Away from busy-ness and noise,

Where the steel and concrete reign,

And people live all crowded up,

And the pace is fast insane.

But deeper still the peace that comes,

When in Christ we believe,

‘Cause He’s the only One who saves,

And can all our guilt relieve.

Not everyone can horseback run,

To tranquil ranges vast,

But all who call upon the Lord,

And on Him their burdens cast.

Can have what Jesus died to give,

Transcending human thought,

An inner calm, serenity,

‘Cause that’s what Jesus bought,

For each and every Adam’s son,

And daughter just the same,

Promised grace to heal our wounds,

It’s done in Jesus’ name.

Peace is precious, never gained,

By our own efforts earned,

But given by the love of God,

And this is what I’ve learned,

If I will just obey His voice,

And let His Spirit lead,

The peace He gives is undisturbed,

He meets my every need.

But if distracted by the world,

I take my eyes off Him,

My peace goes out the window,

When I’m out on that limb.

So get right now and get right quick,

And never peace delay,

Because we need all we can get,

And every single day.

Cowboys know there’s peace on earth,

‘Cause that’s just where they ride,

And so with all who love the Lord,

And in His will abide.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)

These are two of my favorite verses! It’s one thing to be able to experience peaceful surroundings, but quite another to have God’s peace guarding your heart and mind. This is an internal, spiritual transaction based upon putting our trust in the grace of God. Often the shift happens on the inside long before the outside. But that’s just the point! God offers peace that is so powerful we cannot fully understand it. And that peace is one hundred per cent dependent upon the Lord and not our circumstances. That’s why the coursel of Paul is simple, yet profound. Stop worrying, start praying, and God will give you peace. Get some.

Lord, give us Your peace, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mikel Donahue, used by permission. Thanks, Mikel, and God bless you.