Peace, God's Unspeakable Peace

So much is going on in our world right now. There is much division as a nation as well as suffering that comes in many forms: loss of a loved one, sickness, financial stresses, natural disasters, and numerous more. Wherever you go, you will meet people who are struggling in one way or another. There is pain unimaginable that potentially faces us on a day to day basis. I have heard it said if you aren't in a personal storm right now, you either just came out of one, or are about to go into one. That's not very encouraging is it? Unfortunately, we live in a very broken world. A world that is inundated with sin and its ramifications. Praise the Lord, as a believer, we do not have to face these trials and seasons of suffering alone.

In John 16:33 Jesus says "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Jesus voices this at the end of Chapter 16 which is shortly before Judas betrays Him and while He is having the Passover feast with His disciples. He has washed their feet (John 13:1-11), given them a new commandment to love one another (John 13:34-35), promised to send the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17), told them they need to abide in Him (John 15:4-5), and to expect the world to hate them (John 15:18-19). He has also promised to leave them peace, peace which He gives them, not from the world (John 14:27). This peace is something the world does not have and will never obtain, no matter how hard they try. If you haven't realized your sin and need of a savior, and accepted that what Jesus did in your place; lived a perfect life, died the death you deserve for yours sins, and was raised 3 days later having defeated death itself; you are not of Him. That might sound harsh, and I don't mean to be, just truthful. If that is you, pray now; repent of your sins and believe that Jesus died for you and loves you so much and receive His free gift of eternal life.

For those part of the family of God, I need you to listen. Truly listen. We have peace. We can live in a spirit of peace regardless of our circumstances. We might not understand what is going on around us and in our lives, but God does. And He is fully trustworthy. He tells us we will face tribulation. Not if or possibly, but will. But He doesn't stop there. He tells us to take heart. That phrase, take heart means to take courage and to cheer up! Yes, we can be cheerful and joyful in the midst of trials and tribulation. How? Because we have the peace that passes all understanding straight from the Son of God! Philippians 4: 6-7 states "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." His peace guards our hearts and our minds when we allow our thoughts and our minds to be focused on Him and not ourselves.

Don't get me wrong. I never said it would be easy. I never said life wouldn't hurt. There are so many hurting people right now; true believers walking in the midst of unspeakable pain. What I am saying, is even throughout that pain, we can have peace and joy. Yes, joy. Joy is a choice, not a feeling. We are not alone in our pain and heartache. However, our pain and trials are not the end of our story. He has overcome the world! How amazing is that? This is not our home. This life is not all that there is. We have souls that will never die and we will spend eternity in the presence of God. Yes, this life is hard and has many troubles. But knowing this isn't the end and that Jesus gives us peace to get through each day makes those difficult times bearable. Sometimes one day, hour, breath at a time, but bearable. When we lean on Jesus, take our thoughts captive, and focus on Him and not our trials, there is peace, unspeakable peace.

I want each of you to experience that peace. There is so much peace and joy to be had in the arms of Jesus. If you are struggling, you are not alone. I want you to know, I am here. There might be hours and hours between you and me, but I am here should you need a listening ear. Please don't hesitate to reach out. Comment here, private message me, or however you are able to get in contact. The Bible has the answers for all of life's problems. I love you all. Till next time.