Peaceful Presence of God

We may feel swept away by the strife of life, but God desires peace for His children. This peace doesn’t come from a slow news day. It doesn’t come from the absence of troubles or an easy path. It comes only from Him, and it should be sought by all of us. We should look for it, embrace it, refuse to allow it to escape us, and share it with those around us.

Consider one of the most famous instances of Jesus offering peace. John 20:19-21 says, “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’’’ Picture this from the disciple’s point of view. Their hopes of an earthly kingdom and a revolt against their Roman oppressors shattered with the crucifixion. They feared for their lives, yet Jesus offers them peace. Jesus sends them out to preach a gospel that will cost them their lives, yet Jesus offers them peace for their journey. His peace had nothing to do with circumstances and everything to do with his presence.

Later in his life, Peter would quote David’s Psalm 34 in his letter and teach that the one who wants to see good days “must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:11) Peter had experienced this peace so many times in his life. He understood that peace comes directly from God. We find it, not by seeking luxuries or an absence of difficulties, but by finding God. We find it by choosing to live by God's commands when we deal with others. We find it by offering grace to our brothers and sisters in Christ and by letting go of wrongs with a forgiving heart. We find it by focusing on the One in Control instead of the problem. No matter where you find yourself today, may peace surround you. No matter what fears have you locked away, may peace give you the courage to step out in love. Peace is with us if we have Christ by our side. (Written by Keegan Harkins.)