Peace - June 13 2007

Peace is another of the gifts of the Spirit that we read about yesterday. Peace is also a gift from Jesus. When we are at peace in Christ we know we are following the right path and will be more willing to offer more of ourselves.

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

As with any gift, the recipient has to recognise it and take it up for it to be of use. We are not talking here about ‘peace and quiet’ or peace between rivals; but of inner peace, well-being, the heart knowledge that we are right with and one with God.

In our busy and stress-laden lives we often forget about peace completely. We worry, sometimes rightly, sometimes not; sometimes about things which when we step back and stop and think, are not worth worrying about at all. We worry about decisions that we have to make, and then worry about whether we have made the right decision. Some of us worry because we have nothing to worry about.

It is often right to be concerned, to have anxiety about people or particular situations or difficulties. It is hard to carry those anxieties alone.

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

As we share our burdens with Jesus He will walk with us, support us, take some of that load from us and make the situation easier to face or deal with. It might still be a struggle, but we won’t be on our own. In return for our burden He gives us His peace.

If you are in need of more of the peace that Jesus has to offer, then take time today to be still with God and receive what Jesus knows you need.

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

Amen