12/14/2023
Feeling the Peace of Christ is one of the most treasured and coveted aspects of the Christian faith; it is a reward for obedience and is our harvest for believing, and living our lives as Jesus instructed us. Do we have the Peace of Christ today? Do we understand the difference between the peace of the world and the Peace of Christ?
“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 14:27 ESV
The Peace of Christ differs from the peace of the world. So often we confuse what we are feeling in the world with what Jesus has in store for us, and miss out on this great blessing.
When everything is going well at work and I am drawing a good paycheck, making my mortgage, feeding my family, buying them nice things, and not worrying about much of anything... I feel the peace of the world. Yet in the length of time it takes for the phone to ring that peace can be disrupted. It can end in the twinkling of the eye when a child has been in an accident, or a parent has passed away... do you see what I am talking about?
On the other hand, the Peace of Christ is not predicated on what happens in this world; it can’t be taken away by human calamity. When a child is in an accident the Peace of Christ travels with us to the hospital, present in our prayers, and comforting us during that fearful car trip. When a parent passes away the Holy Spirit pours the Peace of Christ over our sorrow like a soothing oil, and we are consoled by the fact that life doesn’t end when we die to this world, but only ends here to begin again in eternity with Jesus. The unbelieving world weeps without hope when death comes, but as Christians we have a deep peace… the peace of Christ.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."”
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Our lives might be a physical mess, and we may be living in squalor, but if our faith in Jesus is intact, and we know He is providing for us each day (no matter how meager it may appear) then His Peace comforts us. Do you think that a prayer offered up from a pile of cardboard underneath a downtown bridge is any less expectant than one offered in a warm cozy room from beneath goose-down comforters? Jesus has no respect for human position; His interest is in our faith in Him, and our obedience to God’s Word. When these two things are true, then His Peace fills us, and we have a feeling that the world can’t take away.
On a couple of Tuesdays during the year, I try to go on a mission of faith called “The Bridge Ministry.” Every Tuesday under a bridge in downtown Nashville this ministry holds a church service, and provides food, drink, and clothing for the naked and homeless. Something that will impress you when you attend one of these Tuesday events is the faith of many who are being helped there. They may be dressed in rags, and search each day for their next meal, but that doesn’t mean they are poor in spirit, or lack the Peace of Christ. I stood listening as a church choir sang there one Tuesday evening and heard the beautiful voice of a man behind me as he sang along with the words bubbling up from his heart. At last I was unable to stand it any longer, so I turned to see where this wonderful praise was coming from... it was one of those we had come to serve, and his worship brought tears to my eyes. When someone has the Peace of Christ it radiates from them, and I experienced it vicariously through this homeless man that evening.
Jesus didn’t always sleep in a home, or take his meals in the comfort of a cafe or house. He traveled by foot and slept nights under the stars along the road eating meager ration, and wrapping Himself in His cloak along the way. He didn’t speak in plush amphitheaters or fine halls, but instead spoke from hillsides, alleyways, and while hanging from a cross. Yet there was a Peace about Him that each of us can feel for ourselves today.
Are you tired of the fickle peace that the world has to offer? Are you ready to experience a Peace that no man, or circumstance, can take away? Are you ready for a Peace so deep and profound that it can change your soul, and give you hope on the coldest winter night, or at the verge of starvation? If you want such a Peace, and it is lacking in you today, then join me in prayer this morning.
Prayer:
Holy Father, I want to feel the Peace of Christ in my life today. I want to know Him in a way that I never thought possible.
Jesus hear my prayer today, and come into my life. You are the Son of God, and I give myself to you completely. I trust in you Lord to love, and provide for me as I obey your commandments and live as your teaching leads me. I ask now that my sins be forgiven and that you walk with me in a new journey of faith. Take me into your care Lord and breathe the Holy Spirit onto me as you fill me with your Peace. Continue to draw me closer to you with each passing day, and I will love you and trust in you with all my heart. Your Peace will be my reward and great treasure. My faith will give it birth, and cradle it within me forevermore.
Merciful Father, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, and the forgiveness for my sins that He has made possible by His sacrifice. I thank you for your boundless mercy, and worship you in whatever circumstance or hardship I find myself in. You are my God, my creator, my provider, my defender, and your Son is my Redeemer, Friend, and Lord. Father, how can I possibly thank you for all that you do for me each day? How can I possibly doubt you as I face the world, and feel the Peace of Christ within me? See the flow of gratitude that pours from my heart Father, and know that it will flow from me throughout eternity and yet will never quench my thirst nor desire to thank you more. Praised be your name, and Holy, Holy, Holy, art thou my God.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Rich Forbes