The Gift Of Peace

-February 16, 2023-

Good morning, happy Thursday,

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

(John 14:27).

The Lord Jesus gave the disciples an extended message in the upper room before His betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. It is recorded in John chapters 13-16. In chapter 17, we find His High Priestly Prayer to the Father for them, all believers, and for Himself for God to be glorified. Our Lord intercedes for us and continues to do so until we get to heaven.

The gift of peace is a precious gift, a permanent gift, a personal gift, and a perfect gift. We live in a world of sin, evil, trouble, anxiety, pain, and perplexity. The world is not getting better, it is getting far worse. The Lord warned us that this would be the case in the last days before His coming. The peace that the Lord gives us is not a change of our circumstances but a change of our hearts in the midst of our circumstances. His grace and mercy see us through circumstances.

Peace is exactly what we need. In life we receive many gifts: on our birthday, wedding, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and at some other times. Some of the best gifts are those, “just because I love you gifts,” they are the best. Those who love us most, know us best. They take great care in choosing and give us something we really need and want. They also carry sentimental value far beyond dollars and cents. The gift of peace is exactly like that.

Jesus said that, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you…” His peace is so special. It is eternal, encouraging, and comforting. We all need it; at certain times we need it more than others. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”(Philippians 4:6-7). Though it surpasses all understanding, and it is experienced by those who pray and give thanks.

Our hearts do get troubled and fearful, but the Lord soothes us with His wonderful peace. Paul told us in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” The hymn writer Edward H. Bickersteth wrote, “Peace, perfect peace with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.”

Have a blessed and peaceful day in the midst of the chaos of this world. Stay safe and healthy.

Finding peace in Jesus through it all,

Dean