“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you." ~John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~John 14:27
Peace - people long for it, pray for it, and ironically, even fight for it. Buddhist Monks walk 2300 miles in 108 days to raise awareness for unity and nonviolence. It is ranked near the top of most desired attributes, following contentment and health. Many cultures integrate the meaning of peace into their words of greeting and parting - Aloha, Shalom, Namaste, for example. In the New Testament, Paul incorporated "peace" into the opening of all of his letters. In fact, the word 'peace' is used 95 times.
Jesus, in John chapter 14, was telling His followers that He would be leaving them, but would send the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and guide them. He said, "I am giving you MY peace. Not the peace that the world defines, but My very own peace." That same peace is for us today! God's peace! For US! It means so very much more than we understand. Check out Colossians 1:20
“and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.”
The work of Jesus on the cross was to bring all things back to God. THAT is true peace. And it’s already accomplished. You certainly wouldn’t know it – our world is topsy turvy in terrible shape morally and spiritually. How do we reconcile THIS? Through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we ask for peace in our soul, God will certainly grant it, for He desires that for us. When we have that 'peace that passes all understanding', it spills over into the scenarios around us. Paul tells us that it will actually guard our heart and our thoughts! That's phenomenal!
Philppians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Why do we wait until we've tried everything before we call on God? Shouldn't He be the first? Why do we want to "do it ourselves"? He anxiously waits to help us! He is sitting on the edge of His seat, waiting for us to ask (Isaiah 30:18). When I am tense about something, I ask God to trade my anxiety for His peace. He does every time! I may have to keep asking when I take the anxiety back, but He immediately "rebukes the storm"...over and over. He never tires of our humanness. Thank you, God!
When you pray for peace, don't forget to ask for peace within. Shalom!
