Peace in the Midst of Turmoil

Scripture:  John 14:26-27 - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Jesus said “Let not your heart be troubled.  He told them that a place was being prepared for them, and that He would come again and would receive them to Himself.  Can you imagine how His disciples felt? Jesus told His disciples that they could have peace in the midst of a storm/turmoil, and they would receive the peace He gives!

Some people think that the way to have peace is by changing your circumstance or environment – by going on a trip, or to go somewhere that is peaceful.  Jesus says that He gives peace in the midst of trials, trouble, distress, turmoil, heartache or pressure.  That is easy to say, but sometimes resting in the midst of trials can be extremely difficult.  We can rest as we realize that Jesus Christ is working His purpose in our lives. Isaiah 26:3-4 says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.  Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”  Do you really believe God’s Word?

The Bible teaches us that our sin separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and made us God’s enemies (Colossians 1:21).  Therefore, Jesus needed to come to earth as a mediator (I Timothy 2:5).  God’s terms of peace are total, unconditional surrender.  We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Once we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, He wants us to experience the peace of God in our hearts.  Jesus was born to earth to give us a better way than worrying or being afraid.  Worrying causes anxiety to increase. When we pray to God about our problems, this causes anxiety to dissipate/decrease.

Philippians 4:6-7 – says Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  As we grow in the things of the Lord, we will have peace with others.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father,  I am so grateful that I have peace with You through Jesus Christ, and I have peace of God, which passeth all understanding – even in the midst of turmoil.  Help me to continually, consistently yield, rest, depend, rely on You no matter what I am facing.  Thank you for making me a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).  Amen.
(Marsha Williams)