Christ's Peace

                                                                  Christ's Peace

The peace of Christ is not the absence of conflict, but the assurance despite conflicts and outer turmoil that God is still on His throne and always in control, no matter what storm may be raging all around me. It is the faith that He will work everything out for my good somehow, despite all appearances to the contrary.

Christ does not give us peace as the world gives- freedom from all conflicts, which is what everyone craves.
He gives us instead, Himself. A God of love who promises to never leave or forsake us no matter what trial we may have to face. He will face it with us and give us strength and grace to weather every crisis and grow in the process.

Before Jesus went to the cross He said, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:1,27)

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Hebrews 13:8 says: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!"
Our Lord does not change.
Isaiah 26:3 says: "Lord, You will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind remains focused on You, because he trusts in You."

St. Paul reminds us in Philippians: "Remember, the Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)

I have experienced the reality of Christ's peace through many storms. One in particular stands out as I recall a cold January night four years ago when I fainted in the shower. My blood pressure had dropped dangerously low. Though EMTs tried desperately to revive me, I could not open my eyes or respond to them.
Though I could hear everything going on around me, I felt my life slipping away from me and I had no strength in my body to move. The EMTs could not even find a pulse!
But the most amazing thing was I could feel the Lord's strong arms gently cradling me like a child. He whispered to my heart, "I'm not ready to take you home yet; you are going to be all right."
His words calmed me so that I was not frightened. I felt enveloped in an unseen river of perfect peace despite the panic all around me.
Once the EMTs realized I needed oxygen I began to revive.
I survived that terrible night even as the Lord promised. I had gotten a terrible virus that affected my blood pressure.

God is very real! He is the kindest, most compassionate Being one can ever know!
The most wonderful part is that we don't have to wait till eternity to have an intimate relationship with our Creator. Jesus Christ is a risen Savior! He waits to be invited into the hearts of those who desire to know God personally.
All one has to do is ask Him to come in. "He forgives all your sins, heals all your diseases, redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your desire with good things..." (Psalm 103:2-4)
His word is true. He is more than able to keep in perfect peace those who entrust their hearts to Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You, for Your promise to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are focused on You. Please bring peace to those whose hearts and lives are in turmoil today. Thank You, In Jesus name. Amen.





Copyright 2013 Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved. Unto The Least of These