God Speaking

“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)

The word peace conjures up many different images in our minds. We long for peace between ugly wars and oppression sweeping among the disadvantaged and in our own personal lives, anxiety, worry, family disputes, medical problems can destroy any form of peace of mind. Jesus knew what could assail all of us at some point in our lives, and when he knew the time was drawing near for him to return to the Father, he tells the disciples and all of us who believe in him, what an amazing gift he was leaving, his peace. 

Paul reminds us in his letter to the Thessalonians that God himself is a God of peace (1Thessalonians 5: 23) 

His peace is not like any human idea of what peace means, but his peace can have a powerful impact on our lives, but like any other gift, it must be opened to receive the full benefit, not only for ourselves, but it can be a blessing for others we pray over. 

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 7) 

So how can we open and be filled with this beautiful gift of peace? 

Firstly, we must accept the gift from the Lord, knowing it will be his peace that envelop us and to have that peace we must find out by stating close to him through prayer and reading his word. One of the amazing things Isaiah discovered is that trusting him surrounds us with his perfect peace. 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26: 3)

When life piles up those worries that threaten to overwhelm us, and we lose confidence in ourselves to overcome them, steadfast trust in our Lord is the answer. 

We might still worry how peace will happen and David writes down what he discovered. 

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29: 11)

When we feel helpless, the Lord will supply the strength we need to overcome. 

The other beautiful thing that happens when we are filled with his peace is that peace can flow out of us and bring peace to those around us who are also in need of overcoming obstacles in their lives. 

We sing a beautiful song in our church that reminds us of this and to recognize it comes from the Lord. 

Peace is flowing like a river

Flowing out through you and me

Flowing into the desert

Setting the captives free.