The Peace of God

John 14:27 (NKJV)
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.

Jesus promises His peace to those who trust Him. Nearly everyone is actively seeking for peace in their life. The greatest problem is the fact that many are seeking peace the wrong way. Jesus Himself said in this verse that peace cannot be achieved by worry or fear. We all have great concerns and are tempted to fear. But if we think about it, it is foolish to think that we can be at peace when there is turmoil and the apprehensive of fear going on in our mind.

It is interesting that when Jesus spoke this verse concerning peace, He was telling the disciples (and us) about another Helper. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to control our mind, the more peace and rest we will possess. As we learn to trust the Lord more and more throughout life, we will find that we can rest, knowing that the Lord is in control despite the wars and difficulties around us.

Jesus never said that we would have no problems at all. In fact He said the opposite. He said, “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, NKJV). When we trust Jesus as our savior we overcome eternal death. Even so, if we trust Jesus each day and moment by moment, He will grant us the strength and peace that we need to make it though each challenge in life. At these times we need our mind fastened on God and not the challenge. Isaiah says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).

We will also face difficulties from others around us. In order to help this situation we need to actively pursue peace among others. David said, “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14, NKJV). Paul reminds us to seek peace will all men. He says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NKJV). We may not always achieve peaceful situations among others. But Paul reminds us to do everything we can to live at peace with others. If they accept our peace, then we have obeyed God. But, if they don’t accept it, then that is their disobedience.

We only have peace when we are in Christ. Paul said, “For He Himself is our peace”, (Ephesians 2:14a, NKJV). The more often we trust Christ, we will find greater rest and less anxiety. Paul states it so well when he says, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV). Trust God, praise Him always, bring all things to Him, do not let anxiety overtake your mind and then God’s peace with guard you heart and mind with overwhelming amazement.

Thoughts, comment, objections.



Daniel A. Smith