Peace!

Peace!

‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

How do you define peace? It has different meanings and applications, but a few ideas will suffice here. It could mean the absence of war or chaos, or it could also be the fruit of a good relationship with God, as well as other people, and it could also mean the individual state of tranquillity or serenity. It means that peace could be evidenced both internally as well as externally. There can be peace with God, and of course, when that is in place, there will also be peace with men. From the verse above, it is clear that the peace with men is based on having peace with God. How can I have peace with God, if I do not know Him, his word or his plan and purpose for me at any point in time? How do I relate the right way with the people I can see, if there is no peace in my heart? How do I rightly interpret people's actions and reactions, if God is not guiding my thoughts and intentions? It is clear that the foundation to the peace that the verse above speaks about is a surrender to the Lordship, control and influence of the Holy Spirit, and a daily relationship with God. The verse above is also addressed to disciples, not the crowd. This demand is not placed on visitors, but on citizens. Am I one? 

If I want the peace that is on offer here, the right foundation is required. The words of Jesus are determined here to be the basis for the peace that is of God. Pray, what else can empower a man to face these uncertain times, if He does not know the One who owns and holds tomorrow in His hands? How can a man enjoy the peace that is found only in God if he chooses to live outside of God? How can I place a demand on resources and benefits that are only available for citizens? The words of Jesus can settle the heart, because they come from a place of assurance and certainty. When God referred to His Word, he us referring to Himself, because by and for Him were all things created. When he speaks, creation listens and responds to His Word. If I have his word in me, it does not matter what else is trying to come in. If there is no space, there can be no entry. I have to keep guard over my heart and ensure that whatever does not align with God's will is not permitted to make an impression upon my heart. 

The world cannot give you that which only God can give you. You cannot give what you do not have. The world can only guarantee trouble and tribulation, because it is under the control and influence of the devil. The world would also hate all who strive to live by different standards too, so if you seek to please both God and the world at the same time, you will fail miserably. God has declared victory over the world and its attributes, because He is the One who rules and reigns over all that has been created. Everything in life and on earth answers to the authority and power of God, and if I am in Him, I also enjoy all that He is. I can shout Amen to all of God's promises that I hear, but it is not enough to just speak the language; I must also live the life. This understanding fills my heart with joy, because I know that as long as God is on my side, I will always win. That knowledge is all I need to face whatever comes my way. In God, all is well, no matter how rough the journey seems to get. God's time of favour is here.