Sharing this post while away…

This morning in our Friday morning Prayer and Practices meeting with people from around the world and the country, a blessing in so many ways, our discussion centered around peace and the piano melody of Let There Be Peace On Earth was played. Do you remember several decades ago when that song was sung in a commercial for Coca Cola and people were holding hands and singing Let There Be Peace On Earth and Let It Begin With Me? I’ve always loved that song.

I’ve come to realize in my journey of growing closer to God that the peace we seek and long for doesn’t begin with me. It begins with God. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 14:25-27.

What I am finding is that as I stay connected to God His peace settles around me and things that can pull me away in fear lose their strength. There are still problems, worries, frustrations but I know God is there and will never leave me. He is greater than any problem we can face. I know death comes to loved ones. I know war comes, killing comes, lying continues. These are the things we cause. Let there be peace and on earth and let it begin with me with God at my side helping me.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have Jesus come into your home and sit down and share a meal with you? Have you ever considered what it would be like to be in His presence? Peaceful? Joyful? Nerve wracking?? What would you talk about?

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me. Revelation 3:19-20.

So many times Jesus told the disciples when He appeared to them after He had risen, Peace be with you! John 20:19 is one example.

Jesus made a promise to the disciples and to us that gives such peace to all of us. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing the in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:16-20.

There is peace that only God can give. It’s Him. Turn to Him and let Him come in. The cares of the world, the violence, will not magically disappear. His peace will enfold you and you will find you can bear all things and realize He is Creator God. I don’t have to fear what men can do to me or anyone else no matter how horrific because He will be there. It’s His arms we will be in at the very end and that gives me peace to trust Him in all things and stay connected to Him who will restore and make all things new and heal our hearts from every hurt and wrong. He is the only One who can and His promises are sure and His love is never ending.