It is a difficult time for those living in and around the St. Louis Metro area. The shooting death of Mike Brown, at the hands of a police officer, has left the streets of Ferguson, MO in a state of turmoil. By day, protestors march along the streets carrying signs displaying the words, "No Justice, No Peace." When the sun goes down and night falls the protests often become riots, which result in the burning of businesses, looting, brawls, and shootings. This in turn is met by the police with smoke bombs, tear gas, and arrests.

Peace and justice is nowhere to be found on the streets of Ferguson.

I have asked myself what would bring about real change in this situation. Is there anything that would make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering and in pain?

The answer, although simple, is not one that most people want to hear.

Know Justice. Know Peace.

Only when we know God and His Son along with their righteousness and justice, can we know true peace.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

Jesus Christ offers true peace to anyone who is willing to seek Him and trust in Him. He and His Father promise to walk by our side, to fight our battles, and to never leave us.

When our lives seem to be in turmoil and crisis, it can be difficult to put our trust and faith in God and accept that He knows what is best for us. However, doing so is the only way to true peace. Taking our problems to God in prayer and asking for Him to be involved every step of the way, allows us to place our out of control lives in the hands of our Creator and know that justice will prevail in His time and in His way. Only then can we know true peace.  

Let us change our mindsets from "No Justice, No Peace," to "Know Justice, Know Peace." Doing so will bring about a change that is lasting and true.