A woman walking on the beach noticed a Genie's lamp. She picked it up and rubbed it, and a Genie appeared. Amazed, she asked, “Do I get three wishes.”

The Genie said, "Nope ... due to inflation, downsizing, low wages, and fierce global competition, I can only grant one wish. So ... what will it be?"

The woman didn't hesitate; she pulled out a map and said, "I want peace in the Middle East. I want these countries to stop fighting with each other for good.”

The Genie looked at the map and exclaimed, "Gadzooks, lady! These countries have been at war for thousands of years. I'm good, but not THAT good! I don't think it can be done. Make another wish."

The woman thought for a minute and said, "Well, I've never been able to find the right man. You know, one that's considerate, fun, likes to cook, helps with the housecleaning, gets along with my family, doesn't watch sports all the time, and is faithful.

The Genie gulped, let out a long sigh, and said, “Let me see that map again, lady!"

All joking aside, a peace that depends on humanity is fragile at its best.  The sad reality is how many are putting their hope in frail promises of peace rooted in things going a certain way or human beings being able to be better than they actually are.

Although Scripture admonishes us to seek to be at peace with all men, that admonishment takes into consideration the idea that all men might want to be at peace with us.  That is why it says, “As much as it lies within you, seek to be at peace with all men.”

So, while there may not be a deep abiding peace between you and those who seek to cause you harm or persecute you, it doesn’t mean you cannot have an abiding peace within.  Jesus promised something I believe is very profound.

John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. 28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

Here Jesus is speaking of His soon-coming death on the cross.  Jesus is preparing His disciples for when it happens so they can know when everything unfolds; it is just as Jesus promised it would be. It would pave the way for the Promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, to come to them.

You see, real inner peace is a byproduct of the Spirit.   It is not something we can manufacture for ourselves.  It is ours as a promise from Jesus, and it is administered to us but the Holy Spirit.  It is not the byproduct of everything going perfectly.  Jesus had peace knowing His death was approaching.

Jesus wants us to have the kind of peace He had and gave us that peace as a gift.  To access that peace, we must trust Him and believe it is ours.  We must also trust the Holy Spirit, the administrator of that peace.

Deep incomprehensible peace is yours today and always, only believe.  Look to Jesus and let your heart be open to the Holy Spirit so your revelation of Jesus can grow.  It will bring peace to your soul even in times of trouble.  Jesus already knows your need for peace, and He has done all that is needed for you to have it.  Grace and peace to you today and always.