“Take a deep spiritual breath: inhale Christ’s peace and exhale anxiety.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 18, 2021
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
I have my share of problems. Problems with people. Problems with my health and finances. Problems at work. Problems with family and issues that randomly arise. Several years ago, I encountered a significant problem traveling internationally. On our way to India, my wife Rita became violently ill with a stomach virus. She received excellent care from an airport medical clinic in Paris, but it was an extremely convoluted process. We were separated for an hour and a half and almost missed our connecting flight. During this scary dilemma, we sought Christ’s peace. He calmed our confused, fearful hearts.
Jesus, right before the problematic events of His arrest and death, talked of His peace. He knew after His death on the cross His followers would bear their cross. The Lord prepared His disciples for the problems to come by reminding them of the inner calm from being in Christ. Because of their proximity to Jesus, the disciples were considered guilty by association. Even a good life in this world will experience bad things. In fact, it may be because of a person’s faith that they face problems. We can take heart if we have given our heart to Jesus. In Christ is the peace of Christ.
“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).
What problem has threatened, even taken away your peace? A strong-willed child, an unforeseen expense or an unexpected change can be the culprits creating anxiety. Or, has your faith placed you in a vulnerable situation? The world can be mean and downright rude to righteous behavior. Darkness becomes uncomfortable and defensive when exposed by the light. Peace and calm are rudders for your faith in the face of criticism. Stay calm and trust Jesus to work it out.
However hard our situation, our Savior’s peace is accessible. Take a deep spiritual breath: inhale Christ’s peace and exhale anxiety. In this world we will always have problems, and in Christ we will always have peace. The Christian life is a dual track of problems and peace. Thus, as we face our troubles, we choose to trust the Lord to see us through. We keep our gaze on God and see our problems as stepping stones to intimacy with the Almighty. Our peace in Christ overcomes the world and protects us from being overcome by the world. Rest in His peace!
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in Christ I rest in peace. I trust You with the problems I face, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
Application
What problem am I facing that requires an extra dose of God’s peace?
Related Reading
Job 22:21; Psalm 85:8; Isaiah 9:6-7; John 14:27; Philippians 4:7
Worship Resource
Kari Jobe – Steady my Heart
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