Peace

John 16:33 ESV
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus is speaking to His disciples before he is to be arrested, tortured, beaten beyond recognition and then crucified on a cross, one of the worst methods of death to be administered. At this time he is telling them that the Holy Spirit will take over and be with them and in them.

It wasn’t hard for Jesus, as a matter of fact, looking through His eyes this was the best of both worlds given the situation at hand. So He says to these men, “hey guys, I am the peace that you seek. The peace I give you is not the absence of conflict or trouble. It’s not the absence of war because you will be faced with conflict, troubles and sorrows in this life, if you will accept it from me, I will give you inner peace that will last the rest of your lives. I am giving you complete tranquility in your hearts and minds, if you will accept it. But as long as you have your eyes on the world, as long as you are focused on the trouble around you, you cannot experience this kind of peace.”

That I believe is the intent of Jesus words. I have had a very troubling day today, but as long as I keep my mind and heart on the Master, that trouble is just satan out there kicking up dust, and reeking havoc. I can get preoccupied with the havoc, or I can focus in on the Master. I choose the Master.

Prayer:
Lord, it doesn’t matter what satan throws at us today, we choose to keep our minds and hearts on You. I choose the way of peace. Bind the enemy from our door step, and deliver us by Your Almighty power because You said You have overcome the world, and we take You at Your word. In Jesus name, Amen.