"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 NIV)
Time and time again, I heard the words. "I can't explain it..it was a peace
that washed over me." Every person in the room, as they shared their
spiritual journey with the others, ended by saying those same thoughts in
some manner. It was as if they had not heard the others. But it turned out
to be the common denominator in our different experiences. And it was too
beautiful of a feeling for it not to be told once more. It was a peace that
had washed over them and into their hearts. A holy peace that now flowed
through them. It was that peace that passes all understanding.
This is the very same peace that put a song into the hearts of the
imprisoned Paul and Silas. This is the peace that lifted the eyes of Stephen
in his last hours on earth. This is the peace that carries you and me
through the challenges of life and through our painful moments. This is the
peace that keeps us resting in the arms of God. It is a peace that is not of
our making.
Search as hard as you can. Try to find this kind of peace in possessions, in
books, in money or in the words of others. You won't find it. Jesus looked
at His followers and said, "Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you."
Did you hear that? He said, "MY peace." This peace is truly one that passes
all understanding for Jesus' peace comes from an intimate relationship with
His Father. He has seen His face. He has rested in His arms. He has trusted
His Father in all things. And He has heard His Father call Him beloved. This
is a holy peace that flows like a river through the veins and heart of the
Son of God.
It is a painful thing in itself to see someone live without the peace of
Christ in their hearts. I have found that I cannot be what they need me to
be. I cannot be the provider of the peace that they so desperately seek. The
best I can do is share what I know to be true. In Jesus offering His peace,
He is saying to each one of us, "Seek my Father's face. Rest in His arms.
Know that you too are beloved. Forgive and be forgiven. Trust Him in all
things. Through me you have access to my Father. This is the peace I give to
you. This is MY peace."
The peace that is given to us through Jesus is liberating. As we trust God,
we are freed from worry. As we forgive and are forgiven, we bury the past.
As we rest in His arms, we let go of all of our pain, our egos and our
"stuff". As we seek His face, we hear the word "beloved".
Be at peace living not as the world lives, but as the peace that Jesus has
given to us allows us to live. Share His peace with others. There are hearts
pleading for His peace.
Shalom...and preach to the hearts who yearn for HIS PEACE... anna
(Comments to Anna at abmurdo@northstate.net.)
Worship Team Leader
Broad Street United Methodist Church
Statesville, NC