Peace Like…
Perhaps my friend nailed it recently when she determined the reason pressure never seems to let up is that we live in an impatient world.
In just a few decades we’ve gone from looking through a catalog and paying ‘shipping and handling’ to scrolling through too many choices and it arrives tomorrow. Everything is transmitted electronically in seconds. We’ve gone from 9-5 to 24/7.
Expectations of instantaneous everything are set – including no time to think about what we want to say or how to say it. All this impatience manifests in short tempers, unrealistic expectations, and burn out. And our soul longing for peace is greater than ever. Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27a NIV)
If that is true, how is it we can’t seem to find peace anywhere? Maybe we’re looking in the wrong places. Jesus didn’t say, you’ll never have any worries again. Or you’ll have plenty of money in your bank account always. Or you’ll never get sick. Even if we had all those things, there would be other concerns, heartaches.
Jesus went on to say “I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27b NIV) There’s the heart of the matter. How does the world give – anything? With conditions. And often gives only temporarily. So when does Jesus give us His peace? The moment we accept Him as Lord. And it has no conditions and it’s forever.
We have just a tiny role in all this – our attitude. Jesus finishes the verse “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27c NIV) If peace escapes us, it isn’t because He has removed His. It’s because we are letting our hearts and minds run ahead of us. We’re letting fear run the show.
Oh so easy to say, a little harder not to get sucked into. Yet the very things that help us realize His peace are the ones we often overlook or don’t make time for. The peace that falls when falling in bed with prayer and praise on our lips. The peace that lifts up when we acknowledge God is bigger than our seemingly impossible situation.
Peace that says: ‘this world, this stuff – this isn’t all there is. Someday is closer than you think – so do not worry and fret. Seek the peace I have left with you. Peace like only I can give.’
parisrenae 
Beautifully written, Paris. He gives peace like only He can give. And when we experience His peace, it leaves us in greater awe of Him.
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Yes, awe, for such love that would make sure we had His peace always, never leaves us, amen!
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This was very encouraging – and grounding – for me today. The world gives at lightening pace…but I want not only what He has to offer but also the way He offers. Gentle, with purpose, in HIs time and in order to savor. Thanks for your words – have a wonderful week!!
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Yes, yes – ‘gentle, with purpose…to savor’. This is so true, His peace so lasting we don’t have to rush into or move on. Ours for the keeping, everlasting. Blessings as you savor such love…
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Great post. We need to walk with Him, step-by-step, moment-by-moment, fully trusting Him. In depending and relying fully on Him we can know His peace. But instead, I often run ahead or try to figure it all out, and in doing so miss knowing His peace. Instead I am left with a heart filled with anxiety. Thank you for encouraging my heart this morning!
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Running ahead – prone to that myself 🙂 Anxiety is not a friend, but His peace sure is. Blessings as you let Him show the way…
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wonderful post, Paris. The verse from John is one of my favorites. I repeat it all time (to myself). I do have a tendency to let fear run the show. Thank you for this good reminder.
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Funny how we do that, get all wrapped up in the what ifs or oh no’s – blessings as you turn to Peace and put fear behind…
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Peace is something everyone wants, even when they don’t realize it. I pray that more will find their fulfillment of peace in Jesus this year than ever before.
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Yes, anxiety fills so many hearts – seemingly without hope. Yet the Hope and the Peace those hearts long for is calling. I’m praying with you for them as well…
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