From the Open Ears Prayer Calendar for 19th August 2024 (Devotional):
John 14:27 “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.”
When I moved to Dorset, two of my friends gave me a water dome with a white dove suspended within and the word “Peace” inscribed on the front in golden lettering. What a lovely gift to receive. I still have it on my windowsill.
Chr
istian peace, a state of harmony with God and others, and freedom from strife, is a gift from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil 1:2). We cannot manufacture it ourselves, however hard we try. Often we search endlessly for peace and quiet in our busy lives, but ultimately peace springs from the heart, a heart in tune with God.
Peace is elusive and has to be worked for (Rom 14:19). It can also be taken away, leading to a state of warfare (Rev 6:4). Peace and reconciliation go together, with harmony resulting from forgiveness of sins and restoration of relationships through Jesus’ costly sacrifice on the cross, namely justification before God by faith (Rom 5:1-11).
Faith in Him and peace are linked. Jesus said to the sinful woman who anointed him, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:50).
Peace is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). So the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all givers of peace. So let us embrace peace where we can, by walking closely with Jesus each day, as He alone is the source of true peace in our hearts and minds. Amen.