Christ Jesus in our midst is the key to peacefulness.

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” – John 20:19

When Jesus said “Peace be with you,” He meant more than “May you be safe from trouble.” He meant, “May God give you every good thing!”

Isaiah promised, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3.

There once was a certain man who had to cross a wide river on the ice. He was afraid it might be too thin, so he began to crawl on his hands and knees in great horror and full of doubt. He feared he might fall through at any moment. Just as he neared the shore, all exhausted, another man glided past him nonchalantly sitting on a sled loaded down with iron.

Oh how like so many Christians! Headed for heaven, they tremble at every step lest the divine promises break under their feet. They only need to listen to the words of Christ as He said to His fearful disciples, “Peace be with you.” Isaiah was right. God will keep those in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on Christ because they trust in Christ.

Remember that we have peace with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ according to Romans 5:1. This is the birthright of every believer. But we can have the peace of God, which passes all understanding. This is the blessing of every believer.

Have you ever considered what a blessing it is when occasionally our problems pile up so high we can’t possibly solve them? Now don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying we are to be delighted about the many troubles that cross our paths. I am suggesting we should be glad that they are more than we can handle. Why? Because when we finally realize we can’t carry the weight of the world on our own shoulders, we have taken the first step in overcoming worry and bringing peace into our hearts.

Most of us assume far more responsibility for the future than God ever intended. My grandson just finished his courses at the police academy and every time we saw him, we had to encourage him not to stress so much about his upcoming tests or certain skill sets he had to master. We gave him what Jesus was so quick to tell His disciples. Jesus gave some sound advice when He said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34. Jesus in the midst of His Body, the Church, is the key to peacefulness. He said more than once, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” – John 14:27.

TO BE CONTINUED

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.