John 20:19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." NKJV
John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." NKJV
Phil 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. NKJV
The issue of peace seems to be very important to God. Real peace is more than just the 'absence of war'. Real peace is Shalom (shal-lom) - a Hebrew word meaning justice, prosperity, good fellowship and health ... a blessed and fulfilled life by the gracious hand of God. People the world over strive and churn hunting for emotional peace, financial peace or spiritual peace. We spend so much energy trying to find something God wants to give us for free.
How about you, do you have shalom? What does it take to 'derail' your peace? A small thing, a big thing or do you have the peace of God that stays with you even in the most trying situations? That is the peace God offers, a peace that surpasses all understanding. In other words, even in the midst of trial or temptation, when you shouldn't have peace, you have it. What a gift from God. Turn off the TV, cell phone, log off of the internet and spend a few minutes with the God that offers you more lasting peace than anyone or anything else. In that time, may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace. Shalom Aleichem means "may you be well", so Shalom Aleichem to you, my friend.
Life Lesson: We can have peace with God.
Dear God,
Thank You for Your peace which allows me to press forward in Your call even when the days appear fearsome. Lord, please forgive me for times when I have wandered from Your peace or allowed circumstances to rule over me. I am Your child and as such I have no person, place or thing to fear. Give me the power to live for You in every moment of my life. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
