This and That....John 14:27

Finding Peace

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 KJV)


                                       http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/10000/t2/beautiful-sea-view-11284565520Gc6S.jpg

I'm thinking today about the scripture John 14:27 and the reassurance that Jesus gives us concerning peace. It's hard sometimes to find and feel that peace, isn't it, even when we know and believe that peace is there for us. 

Life just gets in the way, sometimes, at least it does for me. Stresses in the workplace, worries about loved ones, not to mention the troubles in the world at large. It just sometimes gets to you and that feeling of peace we want to have is elusive. 

I'm thinking today about looking at the peace that Jesus offers not so much as a "feeling" but as "knowledge." Troubles may come (and they will) worries may come (and they do) but through it all, even if I'm not feeling peaceful, I have the sure knowledge that I'm not alone. Jesus is with me all the way. And it is in that knowledge....that Jesus is with me....where I find the peace. Jesus specifically said that He doesn't give us peace the way the world does. And let's face it, there's not lots of peace around us is there? But I can have that sure knowledge of Christ's presence within me that reassures me of His peaceful presence. 

This is a hard lesson for me and one I come back to again and again. That's why I love this scripture so. I would just love it if everything in my life was just perfect all the time. But, life just doesn't work that way does it? And even in the midst of my wonderful life that is filled with so many blessings...I let the stress get to me. Perhaps you who are reading feel this way sometimes as well? 

I'll close today with the translation of John 14:27 from The Message.

"I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left--feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught."

How beautiful! Until next time....may you feel well and whole and experience the knowledge of Christ's peace in your life.

Peace,
Debbie

                                          
                 http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/50000/nahled/dove-christmas-postage-stamp.jpg

Linking to: Imparting Grace