Scripture for Today: John 14:27 “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.”

There is a store in our area whose name is pictured here; Art of Inner Peace.  They sell Eastern spiritual items, gifts and jewelry, as well as Buddha figurines, incense and crystals.  They advertise themselves as a zen place to find harmony, peace and balance.  I am assuming that the owners think their name appropriate in the belief that selling these particular items will contribute to inner peace.  It was a new thought to me that peace could be considered an “art.”

In contrast, todays’s verse tells us that peace is a gift.  Its Giver is Jesus Christ.  Because of the peace Jesus offers we can now have peace with God and are no longer His enemy (Rom. 5:10).  From this peace flows peace with others and the inner peace of mind we so desperately want.  True peace of mind is having a heart untroubled and unafraid in the midst of whatever life brings.  The peace He gives is a calm assurance that He is in control and that it is a good control.

Life does not need to slow down to experience His peace.  There can be noise, confusion, and even frenzied activity.  His inner peace is not tied to the physical nor does it depend on outside circumstances.  His peace goes deeper.  It is the peace of belonging to Him heart and soul.  He will never leave me or abandon me.  He is there to sustain me and bring me through whatever I am facing.  His peace reassures me of His loving care, today and tomorrow!

Thank you Lord, for Your gift of peace.