From Oasis of Hope...
"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 12:27
John, the gospel writer, recorded for us the farewell speech Jesus gave to His disciples. That speech holds a very special tone, every word seems weighty. First and foremost, Jesus wanted His friends not to be overcome with fear.
Why was there no cause to be fearful even if Jesus was leaving them? Up to that point, they had been with Jesus daily and the thought of Him leaving shocked and troubled them. Jesus told them He was giving them a gift. They would get the very best He had to give: His own peace. He would send them the Holy Spirit, the Helper and Advocate, who would also bring peace.
"My peace I give to you," Jesus said. It didn't, and still doesn't, come from anywhere or anyone else. Is passes understanding and is beyond any previous experience. And what were the first words Jesus uttered when He appeared to the disciples after His death and resurrection? "Peace to you."
The apostle Paul linked prayer and peace with each other. He advised us to leave every concern in prayer to God (Philippians 4:6-7). We are to bring every single thing that causes helplessness - every fear, every worry - to Him. Then the Holy Spirit can bring peace and will guard our hearts. His peace will be ours as we practice this.
Where do you need peace today? Look for verses in Scripture concerning the subject of your need. Take those concerns to God, then allow Him to speak peace into your heart through His word.
- Anu Ahonen
I thought of Psalm 121 ...
I will lift up my eyes to the hills -
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Do you have a favourite Psalm or Bible verse that gives you peace?
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