Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Gift of His Peace
“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.” John 14:27
Although our world is in chaos, Jesus has promised to give the righteous His peace. Jesus’ peace gives us a deep inner calm and confidence that cannot be shaken by life’s changes and challenges.
There is an opposing worldview that spiritual peace only comes from Jesus. Based on success and wealth, they assert, “I have peace.” What is your source of peace? Self-confidence, knowledge, a stable career, financial stability, or a great marriage? Would you still have peace if your circumstances changed and you faced the loss of your career, money, or marriage? The present status of a good life could easily slip away and your conception of peace would be replaced with disbelief, sorrow, and maybe anger.
For every promise of God, Satan attempts to produce a counterfeit. Peace is not a willful state of mind. Nor is peace achieved by moving to a rustic location that provides solitude—that is defined as a peaceful environment. We cannot download peace from an app. Nor do we gain peace from transcendental meditation, or listening to serene music. The temporary state of peace quickly vanishes when the hypnotic words or music are turned off.
Wait! Are you saying Christians who have Jesus’ peace would have peace despite severe loss? Yes! We are not superhumans. By putting God first, we have a dependable relationship with Jesus who sustains us every day. Jesus tells us the importance of staying connected to Him. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Jesus Christ is the reason we never lose our peace. Faith is the catalyst that allows us to receive and keep our gift of peace under all circumstances. When faced with life-altering situations, we experience sorrow, but we do not despair and lose our faith or hope in Jesus. With diligent prayer and study of the Scriptures, anger, distrust, or hopelessness can never replace our gift of true peace.
Our peace remains consistent because we have a relationship with the Giver of all good gifts. Jesus’ peace prevents our hearts from becoming overwhelmed with the circumstances we face. Even in suffering our faith is steadfast because we believe in God’s promises. “…I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Through trials and sorrows, Jesus promised to provide us with spiritual strength and give us peace. The same promise that the apostle Paul received also applies to us, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Our love for Jesus makes the difference. We surrender our hearts fully to Him. Yes, Jesus is our Father and Friend. Trusting in the supernatural power of God keeps us connected to Jesus, the Source of peace.
Jesus has promised to heal, deliver, and give us restoration. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (John 15:5). And we know that our Savior will never fail us!
Prayer: Jesus, we admit that we are not in a relationship with You. Today, we surrender our hearts and lives because we love You. We pray for the gift of your peace and ask for strength in our daily lives. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Your name. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 