Peace: Avoiding Troubled Hearts and Fear

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 NIV)

Friday!

Forward Friday! Moving forward with thought of peace. This has really permeated on my heart for several weeks, therefore, possibly new thoughts to add. In Jesus’ explanation to his disciples, The Holy Spirit was promised to come. The Holy Spirit is promised to be with us forever. He lives within and will be in us…guiding us, convicting, counseling, nudging us into all Truth. No one better to trust with truth- than The Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth. Therefore, to understand peace as Jesus meant, I believe we have to count on the Holy Spirit’s help.

Hearts

There are many reasons why our hearts are troubled. One that weighs heavy on my heart and as it lingers…this verse now surfaces from memory and makes me realize this is not God’s plan for me. We are to have peace, because Jesus gave His very own peace. If we cannot remain in Jesus’ peace, then the world’s offering of peace rules with fear and troubled hearts. I cannot fathom when motivations are pure and hearts are set on doing good- there’s always a person on the side with a soured look. As pleasant as I’ve learned to be in this situation, it really burns deep; recognizing my peace has been stolen.

Schemes

Here’s the culprit- Satan. The devil is here to steal, kill, and destroy. Therefore, when troubling situations stop any of God’s principles at work- the enemy attempts to throw us off course. He is the Father of lies, constantly stirring conflict amongst people, especially God’s children. Recognizing when this happens, will help us stay on course by not being tricked into satan’s schemes. In the end…it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. (1 Peter 2:15)

Peace

Moving forward, we learn to trust God and keep doing good. By doing this, we keep peace within and peace with others- the way God intended. We avoid the world’s standard, having hearts troubled or being afraid. God’s plan prevails as we stay on course.

Be encouraged!