Nov 24, 2015

Peace

by Annie Lloyd

Living in this world, it is difficult for us to maintain our relationship with God. We become so distracted by all of our plans, struggles, worries, doubts, expectations, and all the motions of everyday life, that we often forget that God is always with us.

In John 14:27, Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

God voluntarily gives us peace in this world full of chaos. The world will never give you peace, because peace is a gift from God. As God said, “I do not give to you as the world gives.”

The world gives us pain, struggle, anxiety, uncomfort, death, sadness, and destruction, while God gives us love, joy, peace, comfort, life, and freedom. The world will never give us what God has alreadygiven us, nor will it devote itself to making us happy. In fact, the world will tear you down and wear you out until you feel like you have nothing left to give.

As we are living in the midst of this world, Jesus says to us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid .” Jesus reminds us to not let the world consume our hearts and minds. Though easier said than done, we should not be afraid. He gives us peace. Philippians 4:67 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Believe it or not, God wants us to be thankful in any kind of situation. Even in our troubles God wants us to give Him thanks in prayer. When we do this, the peace of God that goes beyond all understanding, will protect our hearts and minds from this troublesome world. All we need to do, in order to obtain this indescribable peace, is to have faith that He will give it to us.

Philippians 4:13 says: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Notice how it says all things through Christ, not just some things through Christ. Remarkably, we can do anything through Christ. We can heal the sick with one word, we can move mountains, we can save lives, we can do all things through Christ. The only barrier to doing these things, is a lack of faith. If we pray and have confidence in the Lord, then anything is possible. So we shouldn’t let the world trouble us, or discourage us, for God will give us the peace and strength our hearts need.