No sweeter word

Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them. (Isaiah 57:19)

There is no sweeter word in our language than peace, and no experience that seems more elusive. Efforts to bring peace to our hearts fail because peace is not ours to give.

Peace is the gift of being enveloped in the light of Eternal Love, which is to say the Love God is.

Peace, Peace, to those far and near, Isaiah proclaimed to those who dwelt in desolation. Their spirits fainting, God seemed to have turned away from them. 

We know the feeling. The light of love fades, hope flees and our barren hearts wander in halls of sadness, lost and alone.

But God who dwells in realms unreachable is also near, ready to appear as we pray our aching hearts and discover God’s great love amid our humble tears.

Feeling again the warmth of the divine heart, we know ... God’s deepest desire is to speak peace to the needy and broken places within us.

So say it now, Peace.

Peace ... to every far part of your heart, every corner embraced in loving light.

David L. Miller