Peace In Turmoil and Suffering

People often ask how is it possible to have peace in turmoils, trials, and sufferings. For certain it isn't in our own strength and ability. It is only through the peace the Jesus gives. Hours before his death, Jesus knew the upheaval his disciples were getting ready to face. So Jesus tells his disciples "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."

“Peace I leave with you” – Wow, what a statement and affirmation! How could they possibly have peace in the midst of this upcoming turmoil? The answer is simple. First of all this peace isn't a man made pact. Peace agreements made by man are consistently broken and violated. That's the world peace. It is temporal, God's is eternal.

5 Reasons we can have peace and a sense of rest and contentment in turmoil:

1. We serve a God who is the God of Peace: "Whatsoever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phil. 4:9)
2. We worship a Savior who is the Prince of Peace: "...And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isa. 9:6)
3. We are indwelled with the Holy Spirit, which is the Fruit of Peace: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...." (Gal. 5:22)
4. We follow a Gospel that is the Gospel of Peace: "and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Eph 6:15)
5. We belong to a Kingdom that is a Kingdom of Peace: "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 14:17)

Allow God's peace to rule your heart. It is a peace that passes all understanding and it will keep you heart and mind. (Col. 3:15; Rom. 14:19; Phil. 4:7). God desires to give us peace in our lives, not turmoil and trouble, but a calm and a peace. Receive God's peace today.