Peace . . . sweet peace.
- Christine DiGiacomo
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/2590497e/how-do-we-have-peace-in-our-hearts-james-no14
Peace is a sought-after thing—often seeming just out of reach.
Not talking about the absence of war or the absence of violence,
but rather the state of inner tranquility, of serenity. The commodity
of peace is peddled in many ways, and people are willing to do just about anything to get it! From aromatherapy to yoga, relaxation and stress-relief techniques, self-hypnosis, meditation, essential oils, light therapy … all in an effort to achieve some sense of calm. And then of course, there is the big business of anti-depressants and anxiety meds! We. are. a. people. in. need. of. peace.
The last verses of James chapter 3 are quite intriguing to me; let's look at J.B. Phillips translation of verses 17 and 18:
The wisdom that comes from God is first utterly pure,
then peace-loving, gentle, approachable,
full of tolerant thoughts and kindly actions,
with no breath of favoritism or hint of hypocrisy.
And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly
sowing for a harvest of righteousness—in other people and in themselves.
P.e.a.c.e. - ah, peace.
Come with me back to that inviting Thursday night Passover, when shadows danced across the faces of the eleven men Jesus was seated with! (Twelve men sat down with Jesus, but Judas had left them to enact his task of betrayal)
O, to have been one who had seen Jesus’ eyes and facial expressions that night, heard his intonation as he spoke these words which have been medicine to my soul:
“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.” John 14.27
Regularly, I speak with people who would do just about anything to be at peace. After I listen, find out what is troubling them, I would not only be disingenuous but a complete fraud if I did anything besides pointing them to God for peace.
You see, the only peace that is worthy of the name is Peace with God.
God’s peace is not man-made,
can’t be learned in a book
can’t be trumped up with enough good will.
Our loving God offers his children a peace that surpasses all understanding! His peace makes it possible to be in a very difficult situation and still know peace. While it cannot be adequately or fully described, if I asked you to define God’s peace, and you have truly experienced it, thinking of it would etch a sweet smile on your face; I dare say your entire countenance would change. Peace … sweet peace.
"Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee." St. Augustine said. And he was right. Jesus is the only source for true peace in our inner hearts, and we have immediate access to it. It doesn't have to be channeled by a swami or an auditor or anyone else, including your yoga instructor! Thank God! Jesus' words have been life-giving to me: 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. I have written out this verse and given it to many a hurting heart; Jesus' words are so comforting.
Then there is this magnificent companion verse in Philippians 4.7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. C.S. Lewis said, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
5/Prayer: Take a few minutes to pray. It will be the most important communication you will have all day. Give God the contents of your mind, open your heart to him - he loves you like no other.
5/It is Well ~ listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI&list=RDYNqo4Un2uZI&start_radio=1
Peace with God, peace of God...
Christine
James, no.14
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