Wednesday, April 11, 2012
What were some of Jesus’ words after he rose from the dead? In John 20:19 we read, “On the evening of that
first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked
for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Jesus gives us the gift of His peace in the midst of all our
fears and struggles. The disciples are all huddled together in fear. Even behind locked doors they are fearful
because the world cannot offer us security.
Jesus appears among them (locked doors can’t keep him out) and offers to
his followers what they cannot find by themselves – peace. After all, Jesus is
the Prince of Peace. Jesus said a lot about peace:
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be
called the sons of God.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid.
John 16:33 – 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.
There are some things we can do to increase our peace.
PRAY – prayer brings peace in my life. Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything by PRAYER and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
TRUST – the more I trust God the more peace I have. Isaiah 12:2 – Behold, God is my salvation; I
will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my
song, and he has become my salvation.
FOCUS – the more I focus on God and things above, the more
peace I have. Isaiah 26:3 – You will
keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on you.
Setting our mind is imperative to God’s peace in our
life. Romans 8:6 – For to set the mind
on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Jesus is offering His peace to us in the middle of all our
fears and struggles. He is raised from the dead and He brings peace. Set your mind on Him, trust in Him, pray to
Him and His peace will be with you.
Peace is not the absence of conflict in my life; it’s the presence of
Jesus!
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