Peace In Christ

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

(John 14:27)

Meditation

I never used to be at peace. Not with myself anyway. I would struggle with thoughts of envy and want, with lust and infatuation, or with jealousy and hatred. I wanted other people to like me, but I didn’t trust them a whole lot. I was always the life of the party, but looking back, I was probably playing the part of the court jester. I had a few close friends but usually only one at a time. I didn’t have room in my life or trust in my heart for more than that. It was a very sad existence, fraught with feelings of inadequacies and self-doubt.

I didn’t understand the conflict that was going on in my heart. It was really in my mind but you know what I mean. The culture promised peace if I would just “let it all hang out.” I never quite understood that. “Be cool,” they would say and I tried but usually failed. I had a 1940’s mentality of right and wrong in a 1960’s society. Free love was ‘where it was at’ in those days. Sexual partners could be changed as often as a pair of sox without consequence…or so it was thought.

I’m sure we were all striving for the same thing, really. We all wanted inner peace because with that we don’t have to fear. We fear losing a job, getting sick or the loss of a spouse to death or infidelity. We fear natural disasters, a poor economy or what might happen next week. We fear the visible and the invisible. If there’s one thing people know how to do it’s to fear, even when it’s irrational to fear. Only Christ can take away our fear and give us peace...peace everlasting!

In many parts of the world, the threat of war or deadly violence is always imminent. Officials of State are relied on to seek out resolutions to the deadly circumstances, even if with violent means. Then the people are assured peace has been achieved so they can all stop worrying. However, they will soon find something else to fear. It’s only when Jesus returns to rule and reign that the fear of death will be no more. But if we follow Christ and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit we can have peace right now. When worldly fear and worry start to take over our thoughts we can remember this promise from Jesus and not be afraid!

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are the guardian of our souls. We trust you with our eternity and the eternities of those we love. The peace we hold in our hearts is nothing akin to what secular society offers. They want us to seek peace in consuming material goods. They think peace is found at the bottom of a bottle, or something you smoke, or inject. They have bought the lie that promiscuous sexual liaisons are just the ticket to peace and paradise. Beyond our secular society, our national leaders will try to convince us that simply not being at war with an enemy is peace. Not one of them could be further from the truth. Real peace is internal; it’s in our hearts, and it’s only offered by you, Lord. Thank you for calming our fears when trials come our way. There is no place to hide from the tough times, but we can take refuge in your loving arms. Bring us back into your fold when we slip back into our old ways. Correct us when needed because you correct those you love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!