Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! (Proverbs 12:20, NLT)

What would my life look like if I were “planning peace”? 

I believe that most would immediately conjure some sort of political action, some “solving” of the problem of war in the world.  The writer surely does not have this in mind (at least not exclusively).  Wisdom is far more concerned with how individuals interact.  Wisdom knows peace in the life of a fallen race is not the result of evolutionary chance, but an effort of Spirit-filled will.  Wisdom knows in order for me to plan peace, I must surrender my drive to be the authority and be content in the reality of the present.  The only way for me attain contentment within the circumstance of the day is to rest in the love I receive from God in Christ Jesus. That love allows me to examine the truth of my situation and, even in the midst of my helplessness or distaste of my portion in life, to possess pure joy.  Joy is the partner of peace and first fruit of love.  Joy embraces every station of life and makes beauty even in the midst of the dung heap a possibility.

Wisdom says when we “plot” evil, deceit is well from which humans draw.  This deceit begins with the self.  I place my desires at the center of my attention and subsequently excuse myself from any damage the pursuit of my desires must bring.  The infamous mantra, “it won’t hurt anybody,” becomes my creed.  I am blinded to the consequences of whatever acts necessary to accomplish my course and press on toward the goal of grasping what Want tells me I need.

I simply must choose joy, what shall you choose?