How to have peace (2)

Jesus said his peace is a gift. That means we don't have to work for it, we can't earn it or try really hard to get it, and we can't psych ourselves up for it. It's a gift we accept by faith. Jesus also said that his peace is different to the peace the world provides. In the last 3,500 years, the world has only been free of war for 286 of them - that's less than nine per cent. This world's peace doesn't last. But Jesus told his disciples, 'I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid' (John 14:27-28 CEV). He spoke those words just before he went to the cross! God's peace doesn't rely on circumstances - it's an 'inside job'.

Sometimes people say, 'I need to get away'. This is sometimes known as a geographical cure. We may think that if we leave where we are and go somewhere else, we'll have peace. This may help to a certain extent, but it isn't really a true solution, because it has little effect on our inner state.

In truth, we can get away and find peace! Through Jesus: 'You may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world' (John 16:33 NLT). Where can we find peace? Jesus said, 'In me!'



So what now? Choose to live without fear and worry. Ask Jesus for his gift of peace in your life! And accept this gift wholeheartedly.





— SCRIPTURE —

'The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.' John 14:27 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

2 Ki 16:1-18:16, Mark 13:12-23, Ps 80:1-11, Pro 13:11-12