Are you looking for peace?

This morning as I drink my coffee,I have a view of a hole cut from our ceiling that is draped with loose falling plaster.

The buckling of the wood flooring underneath this spot is more obvious now on day 4 of the house “event”. And, as I look at the mess knowing that we haven’t yet found the true source of the problem to the water, I realize that this might go on for awhile and it might cost a lot of money. Not to mention the inconvenience of a house that is not together and in upheaval. Such is life.

Sometimes we just want a breather from the stresses and problems in life. In other words, we would just like a little peace. And, if the house wasn’t enough, there are a few other trials looming in my life right now too. Things that I can not control, and when things are out of our control, it can drive us women…crazy. I think you might be able to relate to that. Yet, in this place God is reminding me of what Jesus promised to leave us. He told us in John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give and bequeath to you…” The word bequeath is a term used in the execution of wills. When people die they usually will or bequeath their possessions, especially those things of value, to the people they love who are left behind. They leave things as a blessing to those they love.

Jesus was going away, and as He passed from this world to go and be seated with the Father in Heaven, He wanted to leave us something. He could have left us anything He wanted. And, In John 14:27, He tells us that He left us His peace. You don’t leave junk to people you love; you leave them the best you have. So His peace was one of the most precious things He had that He could give us as a provision for living this life here on earth.

Nothing is worth anything if you don’t have peace!

Money is not worth much without peace. Being famous is not worth much if you don’t have peace. Finding the right guy is not worth anything without peace. Having the most prestigious job, making lots of money, having a perfect body, and having all the material possessions you could ever want…nothing without peace.

We usually put the cart before the horse, and believe that if we get the things we want, or if our circumstances line up they way we want, that then we will be happy. But, all of that is nothing without peace.

You see, we are a bit mixed up! Romans 14:17 KJV tells us, “for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but it is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

The kingdom of God is not things, it is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost!

Today I am pondering peace….and for once, I am experiencing peace too. And, I believe that the peace I am experiencing in the center of the storm, is coming from the Holy Spirit.  Divine peace has been left to us by Jesus, and it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is a peace that this world does not understand. Here is the full verse John 14:27,

“Peace I leave  with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart  be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” NASB

We have been given His peace, but he instructs us…Do not let your heart be troubled….meaning that though he has given us something, we can still continue on in worry and fear, or choose not to receive his peace.

Today, whatever your circumstance is, reflect on what John 14:27 is saying to you. These words of Christ, are rich in meaning to us today. I am sitting with this and will continue to blog about peace and the spiritual poverty that we are often comfortable living in.

Jesus bequeathed peace to us. Don’t be a woman who received an inheritance but is not taping into it. If you were homeless and didn’t tap into your million dollar inheritance it would be insane! Well, if you are spiritually homeless, bankrupt of peace, and don’t tap into the inheritance of the peace that Jesus left you….insanity!

Pray with me:

Jesus, thank you for leaving me peace.  I often forget or haven’t learned to believe that you have left me an inheritance and that I can live in it through your Holy Spirit at any time. Teach me the way to peace in the middle of my circumstances. Teach me daily to value what you have left to me. Teach me what it means to not give in to a troubled or fearful heart. Amen

praying for peace,

Debbie