Livin Lively

By Peggy Lively 

             As I came out of the grocery store the other day, I noticed a bird on a shopping cart in the parking lot. It was trying desperately to pull something off the handle of the cart. As I got closer, I noticed that it was a green twist tie from one of the produce bags. Someone had twisted it on the handle of the cart and the bird kept pulling and pulling trying to get it off.

            It puzzled me why he wanted it so badly. The only reason I could think of was that maybe he thought it was a twig from a tree, something that he needed for building his nest. Whatever he thought, he was determined to have it.

            It made me think of all the times we desperately try to obtain things manufactured by this world. Things we think are the “real” thing, and we try so hard to get them. Yet they are merely a counterfeit of what we are really looking for.

         For example, one thing the world cannot manufacture or mass produce is peace. Yet, it may try to offer you synthetic peace, something that looks like the real thing but will greatly disappoint you. Jesus says, “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.” (John 14:27) Real peace can only come from the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

         The world may try to offer peace through financial success, job stability, or romantic relationships. It may offer amazing experiences, plastic surgery or material possessions. But all these things will only temporarily satisfy. Don’t be fooled by the world’s counterfeits, only the peace of God can surpass all human understanding. (Philippians 4:7) When everything the world has to offer, falls apart around you, His peace flows like a river within you.  For this is what the Lord says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream.” (Isaiah 44:12) For He himself is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”  II Thessalonians 3:16