When is a gas-guzzler a good idea?  When it costs one-third what it would have four years ago.  Today's Wall Street Journal reports on the collapse of the SUV market in these days of $4 gas.  The article notes that low-mileage drivers can get such good deals on the politically-incorrect vehicles, especially used ones, that they may be worth considering.  In the quest for economic peace of mind, Hummers apparently have their place after all.

As we seek the blessing Jesus alone can give, we're exploring the seventh of his Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," (Matthew 5:9).  We've learned that we must be at peace with God if we would be at peace with others and ourselves.  Such peace comes when we accept God's love and obey his word.

Now we learn the third step to lasting peace: receive the forgiveness of God.  Dwight Moody gave a Bible to a friend, but first wrote these words on its flyleaf: "Either this book will separate you from your sins, or your sins will separate you from this book."  The closer we are to God, the further away we realize we are.  Then we seek and receive his forgiveness for our sins, and we have his peace.

God told the prophet, "There is no peace for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22), for "the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud" (Isaiah 57:20). In fact, "The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths.  They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace" (Isaiah 59:8).  God's word is clear: "You may be sure that your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).  So confess your sins to God if you want to have peace with him.  He is waiting to forgive you and set you free.  He loves you that much.  But you must ask.

Fourth, trust the will of God: "Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you" (Job 22:21).  Paul agreed: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace" (Colossians 3:15).

This is one of my favorite promises in the word of God: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).  Trust the will of God, and you'll say with the prophet: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).  Let's continue tomorrow.

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