These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. (John16:33)
I am a child of the 60’s, a Baby Boomer, raised in the era of hippies, the Beatles, and ‘All We Need Is Love’. A common greeting back in the day was, “Peace”. Our country was at war, and it wasn’t a popular war for many. You saw the word ‘peace’ or its symbol on the sides of buildings, on book bags and necklaces, and on t-shirts. It was everywhere.
People longed for peace and looked for it in drugs, in sex, in throwing out the rules, in themselves, and in Eastern religions. But the 60’s were far less than peaceful.
Jesus said his words were spoken so that in him we could know what real peace is all about. A person might calm themselves, find their ‘center’, repeat a mantra to experience a form of peace. But the source of true peace can only be found in knowing Jesus.
Life is hard. Things aren’t always fair. Bad things happen. And Satan is attacking. But Jesus tells us to cheer up. You see, he has overcome the world! And those of us who stand with him stand on the winning side.
Peace in the midst of a storm. Peace when the doctor’s report is devastating. Peace when the career hits the skids. Peace when a relationship crumbles. Peace that has nothing to do with circumstances, and everything to do with Jesus.
A peace beyond the world’s understanding.
Peace.
Amen. There needs to be more of that in the world.
I agree! And it’s there for the asking.
I believe your head is the only thing in your way from peace.
Oh, my friend. If you manufacture peace in your head, you are missing the peace that comes from above. Jesus said in John 14:27 that the peace he gives is not the same as peace the world gives. As I’ve shared from John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I know that the peace that comes from knowing Jesus is better than any form of peace I can conjure up in my head. I will pray that you find that, too.
Thank you. So peace from the world and peace from God are two different things. That’s interesting. I will look more into that as well. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
I will have a wonderful day and I trust you will do the same. I am praying for you!
Me too. I have the whole world in my prayers 🙂