Peace!

The statement has been made: “If you want to be miserable, look within; distracted, look around; peaceful, look up.” [source: “sentence sermons”]

Looking within we may readily see what is not right in our heart. And if it were not for our knowledge of the power of the blood of Jesus and God’s amazing grace, we might feel a sense of hopelessness. Paul knew the struggles that went on within himself, but He praised God for the deliverance he had in Christ. ( Romans 7:24-25) Peace is not something we can attain solely by our own effort.

Looking around us we can easily become distracted by all the chaos, evil and ungodliness that goes on in the world. Like Peter, we may focus our attention on the wind and the waves and, taking our eyes off Jesus, find ourselves sinking. ( Matthew 14:30) Possessing a sense of peace is not necessarily obtained through the elimination of unrest around us.

The real key to obtaining peace is by keeping the LIFE FOCUSED ON AND IN CHRIST. As the “Prince of Peace” ( Isaiah 9:6) He is the One Who can provide that which is true and lasting peace. He is the One Who again and again told His disciples not to be afraid. (i.e. Matthew 14:27) As Jesus would soon be led away to be crucified, He tried to prepare His disciples for the inner turmoil they would experience as they would witness the unsettling scenes of His arrest, the trial, humiliating treatment, and death on the cross.

When it comes to gaining a true sense of peace, Jesus encouraged…
“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)

What Jesus defines and offers as peace is different that defined by worldly terms. The peace He offers is able to bring us a great sense of calm within regardless of what might be going on in the world around us. It is a peace that comes from acknowledging the Lord’s Sovereignty and entrusting our lives entirely to Him. May we continue to keep our eyes fixed on He Who is the author and perfecter of our faith. ( Hebrews 12:2) As we keep our life focused on Him, it is HIS PEACE we will be able to experience for now and eternity.

Have a great day FOCUSED HEAVENWARD!
Carl

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