Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
John 14:27-29 (NRSV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
Reflect
When everything is running smoothly in our lives, everything is under control, our bank accounts are full, our families are fed and happy, our jobs are secure, we are full of friendship and love, and have plenty of time for relaxation, we feel peace. We may even thank Jesus for this peace. These are good, positive things that are definitely gifts from God, but when we depend on these types of things to give us peace, we get into trouble.
The world is great at giving us false peace, and we are great at believing this is peace from Jesus, but peace that comes from Jesus is entirely different than what the world offers. The beauty of the peace that Jesus gives is that we can experience it in any of life’s many situations. Whether we are being tested in our relationships or careers, grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with a medical diagnosis, we can still have peace through Jesus.
When we take the time to pray and allow ourselves to be open to Jesus’ presence, we are filled with peace. This peace is what we are seeking. It will comfort us when everything is falling apart, when the world leaves us alone and our lives are messy. We don’t have to be troubled or afraid when we have this kind of peace. What better gift than to have Jesus watching over us, delivering peace to our stressed and tired the hearts. Living in Jesus’ peace is a beautiful way to live!
Pray
God, thank you for your gift of peace. Please help us to discern what peace the world is giving compared to the long lasting, true peace that comes from you. Thank you for this gift that makes everything in our lives much easier to bear. In Jesus name. Amen.
Go with God.
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