Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 23, 2010
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Peace of mind begins with peace with God. Inner peace is only sustainable when the created has made peace with its Creator. This peace with Providence comes in surrender to the Lord. It is not a negotiation, compromise or deal with Divinity. Tranquility comes from trust, a complete capitulation to Christ. Peace with God brings the peace of God.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Peace of mind is a gift Jesus gives to all who will receive. He bequeathed His bountiful blessing of peace before He departed back to His heavenly home. Part of the legacy our Lord left was one of quiet confidence based on the belief of His sufficiency. When we have Jesus we have all we need for genuine fulfillment. Peace accompanies His purposes.
There is a pseudo peace of mind the world offers, but it’s outside packaging appeal quickly gives way to its destructive contents. It offers an alluring escape through artificial stimulants, busy schedules, material possessions, power and control. However, these external facades of peace fade away, only the peace of Christ lasts with inner fortitude.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
It is this bond of peace that believers are able to come together with courage and conviction to accomplish Christ’s plan. The enemy shrinks back when followers of Jesus forgo fighting each other and unify in prayer, love, spiritual warfare, the proclamation of the gospel and making disciples. Peace of mind propels us forward by faith to serve Him.
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).
Above all, allow the peace of Christ to rule your heart. Then trouble and fear will tremble in the face of peace, because they lose their grip to God’s grace. No longer are you whipped around by the cares of this world, because your compass is Christ. You have peace of mind, because you have Jesus. Submission to His Spirit produces real peace.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Is my peace based on external circumstances or my internal intimacy with Jesus?
Related Readings: Numbers 6:25-26; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
