Bible Verse: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Bible Reading: John 16:16-33
We touched on this yesterday in our introduction to this week’s devotional series, but it is worth mentioning again. The world can’t offer the deep, lasting peace we all desire. It can only be found in God. So, let’s dig a little deeper into that today.
Have you ever been a gopher? You know what I’m talking about, right? It’s when your mom or wife would ask you to “go for” this or “go for” that. Now does it make sense?
Several times over the years, my wife has asked me to run to the basement and dig through the storage room to bring something upstairs. My wife is very detail-oriented, so the instructions are usually specific regarding where to find such items. Inevitably, I pay attention to only the first part of the instructions and miss the second part, and after a few seconds, I find myself yelling upstairs, “I can’t find it!”
Then— you know what comes next— I hear the stomps coming down the stairs, and the panic kicks in to look again quickly. Once my wife enters the storage room, she finds the item in seconds, and I find myself trying to explain why I failed to find the thing she wanted.
There seem to be two repeating reasons why I can’t find the items she’s asked me to retrieve:
Reason #1: I didn’t pay attention to the full instructions.
Reason #2: I gave up looking too quickly.
I wonder if we sometimes think God is a genie, to be at our beck and call, simply to hear our prayers and requests and then answer quickly. I don’t think we will find peace that way.
Our main verse today indicates that you only get the peace that Jesus offers by “being in Him.” Or, another way of saying it: you get the peace Jesus offers if you are in relationship with Him—that you have put your trust in Him as your Lord and Saviour.
To have any healthy relationship, it takes attention and time. Growing your relationship with Jesus is no different. So, pay attention to what He’s saying and don’t give up too quickly looking for the peace He is offering!
Reflection: When did you last spend time with Jesus in prayer and reading the Word? What did you learn or hear Him say?
Prayer: Jesus, I thank You for Your patience in waiting for me. I know You want to spend time with me. Help me not to be distracted with other things. My heart is open today to how You want to speak to me. Help me to live in the peace You have for me.
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