Our pace of life is so fast. We are constantly being bombarded with thoughts. No wonder peace is so difficult to find. Fortunately, as Christians, peace is always at hand; love too.

You may have heard the story about a group of artists who had been asked to paint “peace”. All the artists made paintings full of serenity, except for one of them. He had painted a violent storm near the sea; crashing waves and lightning in the sky. Where was peace in this picture? In the midst of the storm: a bird had found refuge in the crack of a rock. I don’t know if this story is real or not, but the painting does exist. The title is “Peace in the Midst of the Storm” by Jack E. Dawson. The picture clearly shows that no matter the circumstances, it is possible to be at peace when we take refuge in the rock, which is Christ.

Peace is not the absence of storms or problems. Peace is not just a feeling, it is a person. God gives us peace because He is peace. This is part of His characteristics. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) calls Him the “God of peace”. In Judges 6.24 (NIV) Gideon built “an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace.” To be at peace you don’t need to escape to a deserted island, or spend a fortune in a spa, we only have to come into His Presence.

When we are cover by the blood of Jesus, and repent of our sins we get closer in spirit to the throne of God. There is nothing else that matters anymore. When we are in prayer or praise and are completely immersed in His Presence, everything seems to disappear around us and we are at peace. Why? Because God is there. So peace is there.

The God of peace is also the God of love. 1 John 4.8 (NIV) says : “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” God’s love for us is manifested by His patience towards us, His goodness, His support, in short, everything that is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13.4-7. When we are single, and we feel the need to be loved, to be listened to, comforted, understood, accepted, we’ll find it all in His presence.

“I know that God loves me, but it’s not the same… I want a life partner”, you might say. I understand that very well. But let me break down your need because it may be faster to answer than you think. As I just said, if you are looking for another person because you need love, do not wait, you will find love in the Presence of God because He is love.

If you want to be a couple because you need affection. Why wait for a partner? God has given us brothers and sisters who can give the best hugs in the world. We are social beings who need to be touched and receive a hug from time to time. Even the Bible encourages it. 2 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV): “ Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

“But that is not the kind of hugs that I am longing for”, you might say with a wink. If you feel the need to date someone and in thinking about your needs you realize that you are not looking for love, but it’s just to satisfy your sexual urges, well you will have to wait for marriage. “But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” (1 Corinthians 7.9 NIV)

First, take the time to see where these sexual desires came from. Usually, our thoughts are revved up creating desires after our eyes have seen sexy images. If you want to cool down these desires, stay in the plan of God in holiness. Start by avoiding the sources of those thoughts. If you have seen something unintentionally, simply ask God to erase those images from your thoughts. Eliminating the source usually helps eliminate desires.

Even without images or suggestions, our body might feel the call of the flesh. Unless you are a eunuch (Matthew 19:12), it is likely that you will feel this urge from time to time. You need to bring these desires to God and sacrifice them on the altar. For now, you cannot allow yourself to go through with those desires, so you have to abandon them. It’s a bit like fasting. When you are married, you may have other desires that will not be allowed either, and you’ll manage them the same way. This is not an injustice against singles, this is your fight; married people have other fights. Each stage of life has its challenges. Remember that Christ lives in you, He is placed well to help you. Speak to Him, be completely open to Him, He will come to help you.

In summary, the need for peace, as well as your need of love, does not depend on anyone or anything. God is peace and God is love; spending time in His presence will give you everything you need (Colossians 2:10).