Sunday, July 16
More on peace
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5-6, John 16
John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.
Observation
Two days ago I journaled on John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Today, Jesus finishes His upper room discourse with this saying in 16:33. He offers His peace in the midst of a world of trouble and suffering. The Greek word translated “trouble and suffering” is thlipsis, and it originally referred to pressure. It is sometimes translated distress or oppression—notice the roots in those words: stress and pressure. It refers to any stress, pressure, trouble or suffering that burdens the spirit. Simply put, life is full of trouble and suffering.
Notice that peace isn’t the absence of trouble and suffering, but God’s peace exists in the midst of it. God doesn’t remove all pressure or trouble, but gives us His peace in the middle of it.
Application
This is a great reminder when feeling stressed or troubled to turn to Jesus and ask for His peace.
Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I love You. Remind me whenever I’m feeling stressed that I can turn to You and receive Your peace—the peace that transcends all understanding.