Our Payoff for Rejoicing
God’s Peace – Part 2

Scripture Reading: John 14:25-27

Key Verse: Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I want us to focus on the suggested additional reading section. It is the words of Jesus to His disciples when He announced to them that He would soon be going back to the Father in Heaven. Let’s zero in on these words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

First Jesus left a wonderful part of Himself behind when He returned to heaven: Peace. The Bible declares that God is God of peace—Jesus is a part of that Trinity. Jesus encouraged the disciples that the peace they felt at that time, while Jesus was still with them, they would feel after He left. He promised us that we who receive Him would enjoy the peace of His presence.

Secondly, this peace is not the same as the peace that the world knows. The common understanding of peace in our society is “lack of conflict.” This definition leaves most people in deep trouble. Conflict and problems are a part of life! Peace, as the world gives, comes to those outside of Christ, very infrequently. They enjoy peace only in those moments when they can get away from the realities of their world. Too often this comes via drugs or alcohol.

Jesus declared: “My peace I give you.” His peace is not based on or dependent on an absence of problems. His peace is present in the midst of conflict and problems. What a payoff! Let’s rejoice all day long; we have His peace!

Father, I will rest in your peace today! As I walk through the daily issues of life, I will whisper your name and remember your promises! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.