This question plagues so many… Families of Muslim or Christian Faith in Syria. The athlete that has to “hang up the cleats” too early in his or her career. The High School Senior answering the question, “Now what?” The patient that just finished the visit with the doctor who gave the answer they were wishing wasn’t reality. The dad who is looking for the place where salary and purpose merge to take care of the family. The mom that said good bye to her son years to early. The daughter saying goodbye to 89 year old hero dad. The man or women that sits in obscurity longing to be loved and accepted for the reasons that their heavenly Father created for them.
Get the idea… We are all looking for peace! All of us in our little journey on this earth. We are looking for the place where calm and certainty override the intersection of doubt and fear.
Jesus said in John 16:33, “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.”
It is interesting that Jesus starts off in John 16:1, “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.” He then goes on to say that many things will happen to us, some will even be killed for our faith in Christ. Then He promises the Holy Spirit! Jesus in John 16 describes Holy Spirit as “The Spirit of Truth”. All that the Spirit of Truth gives is given from Jesus! Where is Peace? In Holy Spirit thru Jesus!
Galatians 5:22 & 23 shows us the fruit of the Spirit. “The Holy Spirit produces this kind os fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Did you see it? Peace! The 3rd in the list! Peace is in Holy Spirit! The Spirit of Truth! The Advocate! God’s Seal! Our Guide! Intercessor! The Witness of the Father! Our Teacher! On and on the list goes!
Peace comes from a life lived in the Spirit of Truth – The Holy Spirit! Often that “gentle whisper” found in 1 Kings 19:12. You know it, that gentle nudge of direction or guidance that proves right and steady.
Peace comes in the form of a gentle voice from heaven – as found in Matthew 3:17, “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” And the reminder in Deuteronomy 31:6, “He will not leave you nor forsake you…” You’ve heard or seen it. That “vote of confidence” that comes in the form of a card, a check in the mail, an email, call or text. Holy Spirit using someone else to let you know that you are loved and that you are important and not forsaken!
Peace comes from that place where you and Holy Spirit meet and you know Jesus touched you. Like the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:44, “She came up behind Him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” Peace that comes when Jesus unexpectedly heals you, sets you free, or sets you up for success!
Peace comes when He gazes at us with love and contentment! Song of Solomon 8:10 (ESV). “…then I was in his eyes as one who finds peace.” The wink from heaven when you are blessed in a way that you never saw coming!
Are you searching for Peace today? I want you to know that Peace is right there for you! All you have to do is stop and receive it. Maybe a word, maybe a gesture of love, maybe just a stop in the busy schedule for a place of intimacy, or maybe just realizing how much He loves you!
John 14:27, Jesus says…
Peace was granted for all mankind when Jesus stretched out His arms and died – “overcoming the world”. I am reminded today, of Isaiah 49:16, “See, I have engraved your name on the palms of my hands.” How much peace is that? That the Son of God has not forgotten about you! Your name is on right there on His palms! Thomas saw the hole from a nail, but Jesus sees your name and mine!
Peace is in His Hands!!!!!