Scripture: John 14:27
Journal: To what degree are you enjoying God’s peace these days? What keeps you from it? How are you troubled or afraid? Will you receive his peace today?
Reflection:
So often in my life I feel like I am at the
mercy of circumstances—anxious and afraid.
It is so easy to get swept away in a whirlwind of fear and anxiety. But when I stop playing the victim, and fully
realize the offer that Jesus makes me, I realize that I do have the power and
wherewithal to choose to live differently—in Christ. He offers me his peace. Not just any peace, but his
peace. It is his gift to me. All I have to do is receive it.
Therein lies the
problem. I don’t always do that. I allow myself to get overwhelmed and
overcome by what is around or within me and it is just a downward spiral from
there. I think that’s because, although
I know in my head that Jesus offers me his peace, I have failed to receive
it. Receiving involves more than just
knowing in my head, it involves taking hold of that truth in my heart and
making it my own. We do not truly
receive any gift until we take hold of it and make it our own. And when I truly begin to do that with his
peace, in prayer, anxiety and fear and insecurity seem to loosen their grip on
me and I am able to breathe.
“My peace I give to you,”
says Jesus. “Therefore, do not let your hearts be troubled. You have another option. When your heart is troubled it is because you
let it be. Receive my peace and your
troubled heart can finally come to rest.
Do not be afraid. Do not let your
fears define you, but be defined by my love and my peace. That is who you are. Therefore, do not be swayed or blown about by
fear, insecurity, or comparison. Don’t
allow people or things or circumstances to threaten or determine your
worth. Live in my deep affection. Receive my peace this day. Take hold of it. Make it your own. Be free.
Prayer
Closing
Prayer: Jesus, you offer me your peace this day. Help me to fully receive it and live in it
today. Amen.
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