On Sunday, my husband and I traveled 2 ½ hours to visit a quaint country church we know and love.
The pastor there is one of the most peaceful people I know. As I’ve gotten to know him over the years, I’ve realized the deep and abiding calmness he carries comes from the personal relationship he keeps with the Lord Jesus Christ.
When Jesus told us He was leaving us with peace—His peace—what did He mean?
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)
In John 14, while still on the earth, Jesus was speaking of a day coming when He would be gone physically, yet would be with us by way of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The peace Jesus spoke of is not independent of His presence. It is found in His presence—for now He is in us!
Yet we each must choose whether or not to avail ourselves to His peace.
During the Israelites’ “wilderness wandering” (a 40-year plight due to their disobedience and unbelief), God promised them He would “rain down food from heaven.”
But He didn’t drop it all at once.
To trust and experience God’s provision, the Israelites found they had to gather the manna (food) each morning. If they tried to save it for the next day, it wouldn’t last.
Experiencing God’s peace likewise requires daily faithful trust.
The peace I held in my heart yesterday does me no good for today! I must choose to access His peace each day through my relationship with Him.
We are made to live in God’s presence.
Living in His presence, we live in His peace.
Jesus warns us that in this life we will have troubles, but in Him, the Overcomer, we find peace.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
When the storms of life come, where will you be found?
Caught up in the tempest without Him? Or resting calmly in the eye of the storm, where His presence—and His peace—is found?
Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton
Thank you, Cheryl . . . good reminder.
Thanks Cheryl. Yes, we all need His peace EVERY day. He really is our peace (Eph 2:14).
Cheryl, this is such a loving and gentle reminder of the caring and love available to each of us daily. In today’s hectic and often challenging world it is all too easy to get caught up in the tempest. Thank for another beautifully written reminder.