“Jehovah Shalom” which means, “The Lord is Peace,” is the REAL definition of peace. The peace the world gives versus the peace Jesus gives is a big difference. The world gives convenient peace. A circumstantial peace that says, “When there is no problem, here is peace. When there is a problem, how ‘bout you cover that pain or situation up. It will help for the time being. Don’t fix the problem and don‘t look to God for help, just put a band-aid on it.” This kind of peace is not really peace. It’s a temporary fix. A bad one especially because God is not in the picture. Juxtaposed to the world’s temporary fix, which most people view as peace, is the awesome peace Jesus leaves! Looking at John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Jesus says this as he is getting ready to leave his disciples to be crucified. He references the world in this scripture and he basically says the peace he gives is not that of the worlds. This indicates that clearly “the world’s peace” cannot compete and doesn’t even measure up to the peace Jesus gives.
The peace we want is the peace that comes when the problem shows up. The well known statement, “Peace that surpasses all understanding,” is peace that over rules the situation. You know it’s God in the midst when you can’t understand it! When everything around you is in chaos and you are calm, cool and collected, that means you have the peace of Jesus! The peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Jesus! If your heart is hurting, it’s because your mind is thinking. Your emotions and mind must be surrounded by, let’s call it “the peace corps!” Don’t let your mind wonder and have you somewhere you don’t need to be. You must cooperate on what God is doing with what you dwell on. Turning to Philippians 4: 6-9, Paul says, “ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep you hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.” Hallelujah! We are not alone, people! When the worst situation hits you and you are suppose to be up rooted and all over the place mentally and emotionally as the reaction, you won’t be because of this peace Jesus leaves! That’s how you know when you truly have his peace!
Now check this out, when something causes you to lose your peace, that is an invitation to pray. God is interested in restoring your peace so look to him when you feel the anxiety, nervousness, worry and all the other fear feelings that follow, come upon you. Bring God’s thoughts into your situation. Knowing and seeking his perspective will keep you grounded in Him and His word leaving you at ease no matter the tribulation! As I speak to you, I speak to myself! Having the peace of God and having your heart and mind guarded in Jesus is an awesome feeling and the sooner you grasp this, the better you’ll be. Jesus says in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!!” All I can say is, “Thank You Jesus!”
It’s a story of some passengers on a plane and the plane is experiencing all kinds of turbulence. It goes up and down and rocks side to side. Everyone on the plane is afraid and all you hear is screaming with the exception of one little boy. The little boy is having himself a good ol’ time playing with his toys. Action noises proceed to come out of his mouth as he play fights with his action figured men. The lady sitting next to him being very annoyed at this boy said “how can you be playing at a time like this?” and the little boy replied, “because my Father is the captain. He is in control!” (YES!!) Rejoice in our Father who is in control and make a note to self. When you know who is in control, that doesn’t mean you are not in a tribulation, that just means the tribulation is not in you! Now is the time to reside in the peace Jesus leaves! His peace is the peace that surpasses all understanding!
Praise the Name of Jesus!
*Crystal M. Cherry
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