In Western culture, we don’t really understand what it means to be relaxed. We are so focused on the hustle and bustle. We are always focused on the next thing. We are focused on doing things as fast as we can, and we want everything else in life to follow suit. With so much rushing around, it is no wonder that people get overwhelmed and are filled with anxiety, feeling unsettled. There is no peace in that lifestyle, and then when troubling times come our way, we don’t know how to deal with it. God never told us that we were going to have a perfect life on this earth, in fact, Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that 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). Jesus clearly states here that in this life we will face hardships, but we have no reason to be uneasy because we can find peace in Him.
Peace is a feeling of calm, despite or as a result of the circumstances. Peace comes from knowing you are secure. In the arms of Jesus is where we find peace. Jesus was the one who went to the cross to earn peace for us. “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 5:1). When Jesus was born, the angels appeared and said to the shepherds, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14). The angels were announcing that from this moment forward, the child that has been born this day will be the way toward peace. He is the one who restores our broken relationship with God, so that he can be pleased with us and his peace can rest on us, and God is pleased with us when we are obedient to Him. The only way to find true peace in this world is to run to the foot of the cross, lay your burdens down, and allow Jesus to walk with you. Jesus gave up everything to be with us and he wants to help us walk through the trials of life by offering that peace. He says, “‘I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid’” (John 14:27).
Are you feeling at peace? If not, what is on your heart that is causing you to not be at peace? Allow the truth of Jesus’ words in John 14:27 to wash over you. Give your cares and worries over to Jesus so that he can fill you with the peace of his birth, life, death and resurrection.
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3)
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