Random Moments

Through all the noise of a busy day, how can God encourage us?

A message can begin with what seems like a random moment and then be reinforced by another random moment until we ultimately make the connection. Here is a personal example. In the quiet of the night, I often hear random songs playing in my head. Sometimes, something I heard during the day, such as an annoying TV show theme song. But many times it is a complete surprise, like an 80s song or a tune I haven’t heard for years.

This week I woke up to “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” Where did that come from?! I can’t even remember the last time I heard that song. I sat down at my computer, found the song, and gave it a proper listen.

The first thing I found was a post from 2003 on Santana’s website. Cool. I like Santana, but did not know they had a connection to this song. It said, “On this past tour, Carlos and the Band have been closing the shows with a message of peace. The song, originally written by Sy Miller & Jill Jackson, is entitled “Let There Be Peace On Earth” but has appeared on the set list as “The Peace Song”. Carlos originally heard it in a church outside of San Francisco. It is our pleasure to share the lyrics with you!

“Let There Be Peace On Earth”
by Sy Miller & Jill Jackson

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.

With God our Creator
Family all are we,
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now;
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow;

To take each moment and live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.”

I ventured on to find the official website of the writers of the song. It said that Sy Miller wrote in his own words what happened:

“One summer evening in 1955, a group of 180 teenagers of all races and religions, meeting at a workshop high in the California mountains locked arms, formed a circle and sang a song of peace. They felt that singing the song, with its simple basic sentiment – ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,’ helped to create a climate for world peace and understanding…When they came down from the mountain, these inspired young people brought the song with them and started sharing it.”

Their site lists all the artists who have recorded and performed the song over the years, and how many awards it has won.

The next day, I read in Billy Graham’s book, Truth for Each Day, “But personal peace can be realized in the here and now. The future does not hinge on the world situation, however grim it might become. It depends on what each person does about Jesus Christ.”

Although these experiences may not seem connected, I don’t believe God is random. He teaches us in endless ways. I interpreted these moments as a loving God encouraging me to do what I can.

Watching the news can make us fearful about the state of humanity, making us feel helpless and hopeless. Governments or religious bodies or law enforcement can not mandate peace on earth, but:

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

“[Jesus said] “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33