Deep Peace

““These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33, NASB95)

I continue to meditate on the words of Jesus.  They are real to me.  I am living in this verse right now.  In the center of the uncertainties, Wendy and I resting in His peace.  This life has a lot of trials, troubleshooting, decisions and unplanned events in family but we rest in Jesus being our peace.  Peace is the absence of conflict, anxiety, fear, and unbelief.  He is overwhelming us with His peace. 

This peace is deeper than escaping the circumstances of the moment, or denying the difficulty. God’s peace is deep in our interior, deep in our heart, and deep in our soul. This peace in available to all. Through Christ we immerse ourselves in trust and rest in our Father’s love and care.

Consider these verses of Scripture:

Isaiah 26:3   You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Philippians 4:6–7   Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:22–23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

These promises are yes and amen.  Maybe today you also need God’s peace.  Read this, and receive His peace.  Say yes to God and not to lies, fear, and the anxiety of the day. You may be tempted to seek peace in different ways, some are only giving escape for a bit, some ways may be destructive, and denying and living like one is ok and nothing is wrong is living in a lie. Face the fears, embrace uncertainties, live in the mystery of not knowing “why”, but trust in who. Face them, but not alone. Lean into God in Christ. He is our peace. He is with you if you choose Him.

Many Blessings, Pastor Nate Elarton