Peace That Endures

It’s the weekend!  You’re getting a break from the daily grind.  A peaceful Saturday seems headed your way.  But you still have to go back to work on Monday, don’t you?

Well, it’s raining.  No drought or wildfires around the Texas Gulf Coast right now.  Everything’s green and the temperatures are somewhat mild.  But what will it be like in a few months?

When you pay off a credit card, does that ensure you’ll never be in debt again?  When you solve a marriage disagreement, does that give you a “no fighting” guarantee for the rest of your marriage?  When you fight off temptation, can you arrange for the devil to bother everyone else as he lures them into sin, but never you?

Earthly relief is wonderful when it arrives.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t last.  It can’t.  It’s only earthly.  That’s why Jesus, the only source of enduring peace, is so unique.   “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace, at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you (2 Thessalonians 3:16).”

Jesus is the Lord of peace.  Say that again, out loud.  Jesus is the Lord of peace.  That means that Jesus owns peace – the heavenly kind that doesn’t fade.  Jesus creates peace.  Jesus distributes peace, and he isn’t stingy about it either.  He gives us plenty of his peace at all times, and in every way.  His peace passes understanding.  His peace guards our hearts and minds.  Under any circumstance, the Christian can rightly say, “I don’t know what will happen, but I know Jesus will be standing there, offering me a generous portion of peace.”  

What a gift!

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you know all about me.  You know my past, my present, and you also know what my future holds.  Even though I do not know what it holds, I know you will be there.  You will be my Lord of peace, and you yourself will give me your peace through any circumstance that comes up.  It is enough to know that you love me.  It is enough to know that you are with me.  Strengthen my faith.  Give me quietness and confidence to place my life in your peaceful, capable hands.  It’s in your holy name that I pray.  Amen.