In this blog I am going to talk about the peace that Christ promised those who accept Him as their personal Savior. This is not a peace in the world or in circumstance; it is an inner peace that surpasses natural understanding. In John 14:27 Jesus said, "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." If you read this whole chapter you will see the disciples being afraid and Jesus comforting them. At the end of this chapter this is the word Jesus spoke to them. This is the same word he is speaking to us today yet so many people are suffering from inner turmoil and strife.
Why is this? I believe it is the same reason the disciples were afraid. Most people who believe in God do not fully understand the Truth that Christ lives in them and the Holy Spirit is given to them to bring them peace and comfort. They see God as a far off being who sits on a throne judging the acts of mankind. This kind of thinking is so far off from the truth it is not even funny!
In verses 8 – 14 this is explained.
“Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
How many times have you asked Christ to comfort you and bring you peace and still felt inner turmoil and strife weighing you down afterwards? I believe this has to do with understanding your relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. So many people cry out to God for help without even realizing He lives inside of them. They approach God through Jesus Christ as a being who is separated from Him. They think of God as the “Big Eye in the Sky” who sees their every move and punishes them when they sin. This is not factual either but this subject is for another blog. The other thing most people never even investigate it the truth that the Holy Spirit is a part their relationship with God. Most people cower at the thought of the Holy Spirit and His role in the believer’s life.
In verses 25 & 26 Jesus said, “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, 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.” The Holy Spirit is sent to teach, comfort, counsel, etc.. Yet so many people deny Him access to their hearts and minds.
And we wonder why people have no inner peace. Inner peace is not something that can be mustered up. It comes from Christ renewing our mind and the Holy Spirit comforting our soul. I believe the greatest weapon of satan is the weapon of deception. He deceives people into believing they have no power and that God is at a distance and people become afraid and feel hopeless when they face inner struggles and trials. When you make a commitment to become a follower of Jesus Christ He takes up residence inside of you and the Holy Spirit is given to you. If you truly want to live a life of inner peace it is important to accept the Truths of God’s Word and put them into practice in your daily life. Then and only then will you begin to experience inner peace.
To be continued………….
