It’s Monday Grace!
I don’t know about you, but I thought the world was plenty crazy before the pandemic and the election. The stress level was already high just from the personal things going on. Jobs, finances, relationships, health: these seem to bring enough stress into our lives.
Maybe you, like me, would appreciate a time of peace. A time without worry or turmoil. Vacation or retirement looks better and better. Maybe a cave to crawl into. Maybe staying in bed.
Sure, there are some things that will help. Turn off the television, at least the news. Stop reading Facebook posts. Turn off the radio or set it only to music you like. Separate from people who draw you into conflict or controversy. In some ways, those are a lot like hiding, except that almost all the things we are supposed to fear aren’t real. So, we don’t lose much by turning things off.
But we know that won’t change everything. In fact, the only things that will disappear are the things that probably wouldn’t have touched us much anyway. The personal problems are still there.
It interests me that Paul began most of his letters with prayers for peace for his readers. A lack of peace opens the door to negative reactions and decisions in our lives. God wants us to be people of peace.
Okay, so I want peace! Even if the world is crashing around me, I want to have peace in my heart. I don’t want to be anxious or fearful. I don’t want to bounce around in confusion and turmoil. I want to be settled in my heart.
Now listen: There is nothing wrong with wanting what you are supposed to have. If you don’t feel that you have something God wants you to have, you should pursue it. A couple of great teachers have said, “You gotta have the want-to!” Seek the peace that Jesus has for you.
Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14
Seek peace. Pursue peace. But look in the right place.
Government will not bring peace. Leaders will not bring peace. Changed circumstances don’t bring real peace. No, peace is in one Person alone. Jesus is our Peace.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27
Jesus offers us His peace, and it won’t come in the way the world offers peace. Not through treaties or compromises. Not through changes in leadership or situations. Jesus offers peace in Himself.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Remember this story. The disciples were headed across the Sea of Galilee without Jesus. The wind came up to toss the boat and make them afraid. Many boats had capsized in the sudden storms of Galilee. Many had drowned in the rough sea. But, in their fear, the disciples look at the waves and see Jesus walking on the water. Imagine that! They are afraid for their lives, but Jesus is calmly walking on the water that threatened them. You can read the rest of the story in Matthew 14.
Peace is in Jesus. He stills the storms. He walks through the trouble. He stands with us in the fire. He promises love and welcome in the face of rejection. We have nothing to fear if our eyes are on Jesus.
You want peace? Look to Jesus.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
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Grace for my Heart 
So timely, thank you Pastor Dave. God bless you and keep you safe.
“He promises love and welcome in the face of rejection. We have nothing to fear if our eyes are on Jesus.” ~ I needed to read this right now. Thank you!