John 14:27
“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.”
One of my most vivid memories growing up was of time spent at Payette Lakes in Idaho. Days may have temperatures in the 80’s, but you needed a cozy blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm at night. I am an early riser and even then I enjoyed waking early and walking down to the lake side and looking across to the opposite shore. Many times the water was so serene and calm that it clearly mirrored the scene from the far shore—a double blessing.
During the day there were waves of hectic activities—loud boats, water skiers, swimmers, and even a sudden storm that churned the waters and turned the calm lake into choppy waves. Life is very much like that. There are times of frantic activity that are fun and enjoyable, but nonetheless chaotic. There are also times when gales blow in and create stormy waters.
We long for peace! Is that possible in the midst of the storm? In today’s Scripture, Jesus promises peace for all of us. His peace is not the kind of peace the world knows. It is a peace that gives us serenity even when the world is howling like a hurricane around us.
He promises that when we come to Him, our hearts will not be troubled and we need not be afraid. That is sweet peace!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil