John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
PEACE. Peace is usually made between two opposing parties. But there is another kind of peace that can be experienced. It is inward peace; one at peace with themselves and the surroundings in life. In spite of the normal tensions of the mind and life, one who has peace inside, is not moved or manipulated by the forces coming from outside. That person has a unique kind of peace.
Often it is made evident on one’s face and in the calmness of the hands, feet and words that are spoken. Eyes are not usually squinted; feet are not usually agitated and words are not angrily or rapidly spoken when a person has inward peace. This is not to say that there is a disinterested view of life and what is going on around, but a sense of rising above all the tensions, because the peaceful person either knows what is going to happen next and is prepared, or is trusting in another who has control of the events that are happening or are yet to happen.
The Lord Jesus Christ knew before coming here to earth, everything that would happen; how it would happen, and when it would happen. He even knew the outcome of all the events surrounding His life on earth, and was at peace. Nothing ever caught Him by surprise. His faithfulness to God in every situation gave Him peace, even in His humanity. His understanding of the reason for being despised and rejected, kept Him from being turned aside by the attitude of others, even His own family. His awareness of the scripture and the necessity of the fulfillment of God’s word, would have been a source of peace even when it seemed events were going out of control.
To be able to have and live a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” is not normal to humans. However, we are able to experience this personally, not just as a result of world leaders giving good leadership, but because God wants us to remember He is in control of all events. The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ was His because of who He is. The peace He gives to us is ours for the same reason – for who He is. The world’s peace is a result of cessation of hostilities. Our peace is that of knowing who is in control. The world’s peace depends on a willingness to compromise and integrate differences into some acceptable form. The peace He gives us is because we know how future events play out in the end.
So, our hearts are not troubled. Our fears are calmed and we are at rest in spite of all the turmoil and agitation around us. His peace is ours.
“O God of all peace: it is a wonderful blessing to me to experience the peace of knowing that everything that happens is under Thy control. I am able to rest in confidence knowing that the future has been planned out and what Thou hast ordained will be done. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”