Those who seek temporary relief rather than real peace run into a major problem. They have no inward source from which to get relief. Instead, they must seek it from the outside, from sources exterior to themselves. Whether exercise or alcohol, exotic travel or consumerism, or an affair, the relief they seek has to come from without. Often they try to get relief by achieving more than the other guy. Even if they do excel, satisfaction and peace still elude them, and often, depression follows.

True peace comes not from competition, material items, and other exterior things - but from within, if we allow the blessed Holy Spirit to take up residence in our hearts. One of the greatest mysteries and blessings of the Christian faith is that God Himself has chosen to live within His people, inside their very bodies. Paul calls the body “a temple of the Holy Spirit.” Since God is the God of peace, that means God’s peace dwells within us and does not need to be supplied from the outside. Wherever a Christ follower goes, God’s peace tags along – within us.

The moment someone invites Jesus into his or her heart, the Holy Spirit takes up residence. From that moment on and for all eternity, the peace of God is available to that person. What a powerful experience. It’s one that could change the world, if everyone comes to know the peace of Christ.

This is Luis Palau.