PEACE IN A PILL?

Job 3:20-26
20 Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, 21 to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, 22 who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? 23 Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? 24 For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. 25 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. 26 I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.

Australian doctor Philip Nitschke is working on a suicide concoction he calls the "peaceful pill." When asked who would qualify for access to it, Nitschke responded, "Anyone who wants it." He believes the pill should be available in supermarkets "so that those old enough to understand death could obtain death peacefully at the time of their choosing."

As long as people have been dying, there have been people looking at death as an exit from pain and suffering. Job knew something about that. He lost his livelihood, his children, his health--I wonder if he would've opted for the "peaceful pill" if it had been available at the local market.

We may not understand what life is like for someone who is disabled, chronically sick, or often depressed. But we all have faced struggles that have gotten us down. If we have Jesus as our Savior, there is a truth we can always be sure of--no matter what our circumstances: We have peace with God because Jesus took away the sin that was keeping us apart. "Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

We can have peace from God even amid sadness and uncertainty. In John 16:17-33, Jesus told the disciples that He would die and they would grieve, but that they would find peace in knowing that He would be alive again and with the Father. "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace" (v.33).

And the peace Jesus offers is like nothing else we can find on earth--no pill, product, or process. "Peace I leave with 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). And we have the Holy Spirit to remind us (v.26).

Do you identify with these words of Job: "I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil"? (Job 3:26). Don't look for peace anywhere but in Jesus. --Tracy Carbaugh

DESTINATION POINTS

* Have I ever thought about ending my life? What was it that made me so sad?
* Why is it important to talk to God about my feelings as well as my physical circumstances?
* What are a couple of things I have to look forward to in the next month? In the next year?

LINKS:
Why Would A Good God Allow Suffering?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0106

bottom line: Jesus is your peace.

soul journey