Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
(Prov. 17:1)

When my children were very young, our family lived about ten miles from the closest highway. The water to our home was supplied by a well, and all of the utilities depended upon electricity. In January and February, the temperature was quite cold, but one year we had an ice storm that surpassed anything we had experienced before. All of the power lines in our area broke from the ice, which eliminated the heat and water at our house. Because we lived so far from our local town, our road was last on the list to be cleared. For almost a week we were stranded.

We were blessed to have a fireplace in our home and plenty of wood. Even though the temperature was below zero outside, we were able to stay moderately warm with our fireplace and heavy clothing. The first few hours were exciting, but as we realized the severity of our situation, the next two days became intense. Without modern bathrooms, a microwave, a television, or any of the comforts we were accustomed to, tensions were high. But on the third day, we started adjusting to our circumstances. We found a puzzle and by candlelight, the family developed a closeness that hadn’t existed before. For the next three days, our hearts connected and when the electricity returned at the end of the week, my children cried. It is true that a dry morsel with quietness is better than a house full of feasting with strife.

Thirty years ago computers didn’t exist. Twenty years ago we were told that the computers of the future would ease the workload and give us more time off. Ten years ago personal cell phones, laptops, and satellite technology developed at such a pace that the products in the store were outdated before they were sold. And today, the average American is working more hours than previous generations. Suicides and bankruptcies are at an all time high. The divorce rate is escalating and young adults are struggling trying to find out who they are. With all of our progress, man has developed everything except peace. Why is this? The answer is quite simple. True peace only comes from God.

Jesus said that He came to earth to give us peace. But then He went on to say that the peace He had was not like the peace the world has. His peace is not dependant upon where you live or what you have. His peace is based on your faith in God, and it is available to everyone who will receive it.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(John 14:27)

So today, let me ask you this question. With all of the advancements in technology that you experience in your daily life, with all of the things that you take for granted that would have been considered science fiction by your grandfather, do you have any more peace?

Hebrews 4:9 says, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.”

Do not be deceived. Peace and rest will never be attained by the acquisition of material things. But true peace and rest is available for all who will receive it. And the key to unlock it is – faith.