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
You’ve probably noticed over the last few years that the
peace sign has made a re-appearance. My daughter has numerous shirts, bags,
etc. that boldly show off the peace sign. She even doodles the peace sign or
writes “peace out” on her stuff. I seem to be raising a 21st century
hippie!
Peace. A pretty powerful word. Whether it’s world peace or
maybe just some peace and quiet, either one means a lot at any given time. We
all long for some kind of peace in our lives. One dictionary definition says
that peace is the normal, non-warring condition of a nation. Another definition
refers to mutual harmony between people or groups. Still another definition
calls peace the cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissention.
What does peace mean to you? My pastor, David Dykes, defined
peace in this way: “Peace is not the absence of problems; peace is God’s gift
of serenity in the midst of your problems.” Being a Christian means my life
should be easy, right? What did Jesus say about life in this world? He says, “I have told you these things, so that in me
you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world.” John 16:33
There you have it. In this world you WILL have trouble. And
guess what? You are not the only one. But Jesus also tells us that you can have
peace. How? In Him. Only Him. Have you ever watched a Spirit-filled friend or a
loved one go through a trying situation and wondered how they could possibly be
peaceful? I think God grants you the peace when you need it, but I also think
that you have to be plugged in and connected to Him to receive it.
Look back at John 16:33. Jesus says in me you may have peace.
In Him. I think in Him is not a
casual relationship – just a friend you speak to once a week at church. Nope.
In Him is surrounded by Him, embraced by Him, indwelt by Him, which is only
possible with a constant connection.
Julie
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