Jesus came into the world to liberate us from death and sin, and to bring us peace with God - the peace that passes understanding, the peace that calms our fears, even in times of trouble. As Jesus told His disciples, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
The peace that Jesus brings is divine peace, the peace of God, the only peace worthy of the name. Divine peace is the only permanent peace. Divine peace is that kind of peace you feel inside even when the world is falling apart all around you. Divine peace is peace of mind, peace in your conscience, peace with your Christian brothers and sisters, peace with your boss and coworkers, peace with your environment, peace with your world.
This is the peace the angels announced. It's the peace Jesus exemplified. When you have divine peace, you can have peace while the wars are raging around you, peace while the earth is crumbling beneath your feet, peace in the midst of the storm.
In Mark 4, Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee in a boat with His disciples. He was in the back of the boat, sleeping on a pillow, when a storm arose and the waves lashed the boat. Soon the boat was filling with water - yet Jesus remained peacefully asleep. The disciples woke Him and said, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38).
Then Jesus got up and spoke to the waves: "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39 KJV). And the winds ceased and the waters became calm.
When you have peace with God, you have the peace of Christ that transcends human understanding. Even if the sun and moon turn dark and the stars are shaken from the sky, we can sleep peacefully, knowing that Jesus, Who commands the winds and the waves with His word, is the Lord of the earth and sky. He slept soundly in the middle of the storm - and so can we.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to surrender to Your peace and not the false peace the world tries to provide. Thank You for showing me that there can be peace in the middle of the storm. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen..
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
