Peace be with You
I love those words — the words of speaking peace over someone. And isn’t that what this world needs – living in a state of God’s peace that passes all understanding, regardless of circumstances or places we happen to be in at any given time?
Isn’t it inspiring to listen to the faith journeys of others? We can learn many lessons from therm. And in hearing those stories of faith in an atmosphere of gratitude and peace, God has the opportunity to get a Word in edgewise.
I remember when in our Life Group that it seemed there were more prayer requests than usual for some serious health issues. I also remember when one of our strong women of faith, confidently and boldly, said, “Peace be with you. Do not fear. God is with you. Cast down imaginations. Be strong and of good courage because God is for you, and you will declare His glorious works.” She was so passionate that it startled some of us, but we realized it was God, Himself, Who made His presence known…..and replaced our concerns with “PEACE be with you!”
Peace is my word of the day, today! I need it. You need it. Our world needs it. Think about that phrase “Peace be with you” again. Those were the words of Jesus when His disciples were shackled in fear, cowering in the Upper Room.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked in fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “PEACE BE WITH YOU!” John 20:19-20
I can picture that scene. The disciples’ weak faith was replaced with joy and peace and comfort because Jesus was in the room. Peace walked in when He walked in.
But, we are no different. Like the disciples, we don’t always understand what God is doing in our lives. We read His clear promises in His Word, but we still succumb to concern, fear and doubt when life gets tough.
Perhaps you are facing some extreme volatile situations, potential failures, negative medical reports, relationships that are broken and many other worries and concerns. God loves us, as He loved the disciples. He wants us to know HIS peace.
Think of it, those disciples had walked and talked with Jesus. They witnessed miracle after miracle. And while we sometimes want to roll our eyes at them because of their wishy-washy faith, we can be very grateful to them for providing us with an object lesson. Jesus is in our room too!
I like to think that God gave me this word today because some of my readers are experiencing everything but peace today. Right here and right now I sense God nudging me to tell you that He is coming into the room of YOUR hearts, my beloved friends, saying: “Peace be with YOU!”
That PEACE is the cushion we ride on during the stormy rough waters AND in the calm waters — knowing He, our Prince of Peace. always carries through to the other side.
Now, let’s trust that Word, and make it our own today as His peace that passes all understanding, keeps us in divine peace! (Philippians 4:7)
“He will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him: because he trusteth in Him.”—Isaiah 26:3.
Peace be with You!