John 14:27
True and Lasting Peace
Many of us today are seeking peace. Although we may not directly identify what we’re seeking as peace, that’s ultimately what we long for. We may pursue peace through organizing and decluttering our homes in an effort to create a more serene living space. We might try to quiet the never-ending chatter in our brains or turn off our anxious thoughts by watching a movie or mindlessly scrolling through social media. We may seek peace through financial security, believing that more money in our savings or investments will bring a sense of calm and security.
Although pursuing things like a tidy home or financial security isn’t bad in and of itself, we need to recognize where true and lasting peace comes from. Judges 6:24 says, “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” We see from this verse that the Lord Himself is peace.
Before Jesus’ ascension into heaven, He reassured His disciples with these words, “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). The peace that Jesus promised was not just for the disciples, but for all followers of Christ. Jesus knew we would face troubles and trials in this life, but in the midst of those struggles, He offers us a spiritual peace that surpasses understanding and is unlike anything the world can offer. We can be encouraged knowing that we don’t need to be tossed around by the cares, worries, and trials of this world. Instead, we can set our minds on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”
In addition to setting our minds on the Spirit, we can recall and apply the words of Philippians 4:6-7 if we notice worry or anxiety creeping in. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Lord, we thank you for the PEACE that only You can provide. You knew that we would face troubles and trials in this life, but we are grateful that You quiet our hearts and minds with Your Peace in those times. Help us to set our minds on You and look to You in all circumstances.
Although the holidays are often a joyous time spent with loved ones, they can also be a difficult and painful season for those facing challenging life circumstances, such as the recent loss of a loved one or illness. If you find yourself in such a season, here are some encouraging resources: Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos, Prayers of My Heart, From My Heart Poems of Faith, The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World.
Are You Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”?
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you, “Chin up! Everything will get better.” I get it. People may be well-intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs for the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace.
“Now may the Lord of Peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Changing the position of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our hearts to the Prince of Peace changes everything.
Thank You, PRINCE OF PEACE, that You supersede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace that is not of this world.
Would you like more grace and peace in your life? Peace with God? Peace with others? Watch Debbie’s teaching on 1 Peter 1 HERE or listen to it HERE.
Are You Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you “Chin up! Everything will get better.” I get it. People may be well-intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs for the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace. Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Changing the position of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our hearts to the Prince of Peace changes everything.
Thank You, Prince of PEACE, that You supersede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace that is not of this world.
“Now may the LORD of PEACE Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
When You’re Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you “chin up,” that everything will get better? I get it. People may be well intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace. Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Moving the direction of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our heart and asking the Prince of Peace to fill it changes everything.
Thank You, Prince of PEACE, that You supercede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace.
“Now may the LORD of PEACE Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”
When You’re Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you “chin up,” that everything will get better? I get it. People may be well intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace. Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Moving the direction of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our heart and asking the Prince of Peace to fill it changes everything.
Thank You, Prince of PEACE, that You supercede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace.
“Now may the LORD of PEACE Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”
Praise to the PEACE GIVER
“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.”
When I received a letter from M.D. Anderson in 1982 saying I had stage 1A ovarian carcinoma, I was shocked. Then I was sad, grievously sad. I looked at our 2 year old son, Taylor, and couldn’t stand the thought of not being around to raise him. I looked at my dear husband and was broken hearted about not doing “life” with him. I cried. I grieved. Then, God took me to the end of what might happen. I might die. But then, He consoled me. He GAVE ME HIS PEACE. He assured me He would be with Taylor and Keith and that I would be with Him. I personally know Jesus as the PEACE GIVER.
Lord Jesus, PEACE GIVER, You make me smile.
© Debbie Taylor Williams. Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to forward or share this material provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee for it. Any exception to the above must be approved by Debbie Taylor Williams. Please include on any web posting or printed distribution: © Debbie Taylor Williams, www.debbietaylorwilliams.com. Thank you.
I HAVE CHRIST’S PEACE
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body;“
Are you peaceful? Certainly we would agree that we need Christ’s peace, not only as a state of our salvation, but also flowing through our hearts. But, how is it possible on a day in, day out basis to have Christ’s peace? The answer is the same way we experience God’s other virtues. When Christ established our eternal peace with God, a conduit of grace opened to us. The Holy Spirit freely flows in our spirits. He urges us, “Take off your rags of bitterness, worry, unkindness. Put on my coat of divine peace.” Peace means the “tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot.” Does that describe us?
Heavenly Father, forgive me for so often worrying and being anxious when, in fact, I am assured of my salvation in Christ. I have nothing to fear for You are with me. I have every reason to be content. Thank You for the peace Christ gives me.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
PEACE GIVER
“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
When I received a letter from M.D. Anderson in 1982 saying I had stage 1A ovarian carcinoma, I was shocked. Then I was sad, grievously sad. I looked at our 2 year old son, Taylor, and couldn’t stand the thought of not being around to raise him. I looked at my dear husband and was broken hearted about not doing “life” with him. I cried. I grieved. Then, God took me to the end of what might happen. I might die. But then, He consoled me. He GAVE ME HIS PEACE. He assured me He would be with Taylor and Keith and that I would be with Him. I personally know Jesus as the PEACE GIVER.
Lord Jesus, PEACE GIVER, You make me smile.
© Debbie Taylor Williams. Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to forward or share this material provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee for it. Any exception to the above must be approved by Debbie Taylor Williams. Please include on any web posting or printed distribution: © Debbie Taylor Williams, www.debbietaylorwilliams.com. Thank you.