“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
There are many “oil and water” issues in the world today. Some countries and ethnic groups just cannot get along and some families just seem to live at opposite ends of the house. Various political groups are as far apart as they can be on the important issues of the day. They agree on next to nothing and important laws and regulations get tied up because of their agendas and dis- agreements. Is it any wonder that peace is illusive?
If peace is one of the fruits of the spirit, then doesn’t it mean that God wants us to be at peace with ourselves? We matter to God; He created us, cares for us and loves us. Why then is it hard to love ourselves and be at peace with ourselves? It is God’s desire for those who choose to follow Him to experience His peace through their lives.
Phillips Brooks, former minister of Boston’s Trinity Episcopal Church, is perhaps best known as the author of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” He was a very busy pastor, yet he always seemed relaxed and unburdened, willing to take time for anyone in need.
Shortly before Brooks died, a young friend wrote to him and asked the secret of his strength and serenity. In a heartfelt response, Brooks credited his still-growing relationship with Christ.
He wrote, “The more I have thought it over, the more sure it has seemed to me that these last years have had a peace and fullness which there did not used to be. It is a deeper knowledge and truer love of Christ I cannot tell you how personal this grows to me. He is here. He knows me and I know Him. It is the most real thing in the world. And every day makes it more real. And one wonders with delight what it will grow to as the years go on.”
What a testimony to the strength and serenity our Saviour can provide. What a motivator for all of us who know Him as Saviour to cultivate daily a closer, deeper fellowship with Jesus, only that relationship can bring abiding peace and delight.
Be reconciled to God, allowing God’s peace to take you over. Seek to be at peace with others as much as possible and obey the Lord daily.
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Garment of Praise
Monthly Insights for Spiritual Growth, Encouragement and Personal Victory.
Oluyemisi Onanuga
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
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