Summer Fruit Devotion: Peace Day 5

Free Peace

“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. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.” John 14:27-29

Jesus gives peace, brings peace, makes peace and is peace. Every facet of peace you can think of originates and emanates from Jesus Christ and he gives it to you, for free. The world says ‘you deserve a break’ but Jesus says, ‘rest in me.’ The world also says ‘work harder,’ but Jesus says, ‘sit at my feet.’ The world says ‘just be good,’ but Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) The world says ‘do more,’ but Jesus says, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) The world breaks all it’s promises but Paul says of Jesus in 1 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” Do you say you believe the Word, but then act like what the world says is true instead? I am often guilty of the world’s TGIF mentality, but going out for a drink or bingeing that Netflix show is the best the world has to offer. That may feel good for a while but it’s so temporary. Then we need a new show, or another event, or more yoga (look up “goat yoga” for a good laugh), or more wine. But the peace Jesus gives is free and it never runs dry. So let not your heart be troubled, believe in his peace, rest in him, sit at his feet, hold tight to the gospel, and be at peace in your soul and among people.

Journal time. Write down some ways that you turn to the world for peace. Know that God wants you to have good experiences as a human being and enjoy your life, but if there are things you “need” more than Jesus then you may actually need to re-prioritize what you do. Offer these things to the Lord and ask for the free peace that Jesus gives.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, thank you for the peace of Christ you have freely given to us, peace for the here and now, and peace for all eternity. Help us to rejoice and believe that your peace is better and more precious than any temporary relief we find in worldly things. Let your peace be enough for our restless hearts. In Jesus’ name and for your glory, Amen.