Peace

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.

Peace is 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. 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? God grants you the peace when you need it, but 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. In Him is not a casual relationship. In Him is surrounded by Him, embraced by Him, indwelt by Him, which is only possible with a constant connection. This Christmas let's allow our hearts to be full of the peace that can only come from Jesus.

Lord, help me stay intimately connected to you. 

Julie