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 14:27. Jesus’ words to His disciples and to us today.

In 1 Samuel 16 we read of an absence of peace. Even Samuel is afraid when God tells him to go to Bethlehem, to Jesse, to anoint one of his sons to be king. But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” v. 2. And when Samuel, the prophet of God, arrives in Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” v. 4. And Saul…Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. v. 14.

Do you ever have thoughts that trouble you, torment you, even? Sometimes I have experienced thoughts that come up suddenly like a dart, swiftly, and then they’re gone. They troubled me so much at one point that I sought help from God’s ministry. I love God. Why thoughts that were disrespectful, doubting, troubling and that were so insistent? In this world there are so many negative things bombarding us it’s no wonder we are pierced and wounded deep in our souls and hearts and minds. It helped to talk with a minister. It helped to understand that God already knew those thoughts and the havoc they caused. I didn’t need to hide that from Him. When those thoughts gain a foothold now, I turn away from them and turn to my God who assures me He is here with me and I know His peace. I no longer need to fear those thoughts because they have no power over me.

What Samuel needed He received. God led him and even had discussions with him as Jesse presented his sons to him. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” v. 7. The elders of Bethlehem were reassured when Samuel assured them he came in peace. And Saul? His attendants recommended someone come to him to play the lyre to soothe him. David was recommended. Can we see God working in David’s life? When David appeared before Samuel in Bethlehem the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. v. 12-13. Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. v. 23.

David was able to help his king. God was working patiently preparing David for the day when he would take up his position as king. I can’t help but be amazed at the patience of God. When we leave things that trouble us in His hands He is able to help. Trying so hard on my own the problem grew worse. Turning to Him I found relief. 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 as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Do you come in peace?