Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Bible Reading: John 15:1-17
Why is peace so abnormal in our world when it is so available in God? The second half of that question answers the first. Our world doesn’t know where to find it.
Do we?
So many things over-promise peace but often underdeliver it.
Money can over-promise peace because we are told that if we have money for whatever we want, there will be no stress in our lives, and we will have peace.
Fulfilling careers can over-promise peace. You know the saying “If you love what you do…”? Finish the phrase with me: “…you’ll never work a day of your life.”
How about peace in relationships? We say, “If I could just find the right wife or if I had the right friends, that would give me peace.”
These things mentioned above, when properly cared for, could help you find a certain level of peace for a time. But if that’s all you have, it pales in comparison to the constant, consistent, powerful peace found in God.
In our Scripture verse today, Paul reminds us that there is a peace that passes all understanding. It is found in our relationship with God. Paul highlights that in prayer, praise, and petitions, we connect our hearts with God’s, and God gives us His peace.
In John 15:1-17, Jesus gives the metaphor of the vine and the branches, illustrating that there is incredible fruitfulness when we are connected to Him, the true Vine. There are other vines we can connect to that won’t bring that same fruitfulness to our lives. Part of the fruitfulness is His peace.
I can understand why there is such little peace in the world. Humanity is often looking for peace in everything but God and, as a result, finds themselves lacking. But what I find perplexing is when there can be such little peace in those who follow Jesus. I find myself, at times, struggling to find peace, even though I have unlimited access to God and His peace. I’m writing this devotional series as much for me as for you. It takes discipline to live this life of peace.
So, for the next week, I will share three things you can do to find peace and three things to watch out for that can hinder and rob you of peace.
Wherever you are in life— still deciding on following Jesus, new to faith in Christ or a seasoned veteran—I trust this week’s devotional series will help you fully find His peace. This peace, which surpasses all understanding, will end your pursuit of trying to find peace anywhere else.
Reflection: If peace is found in God, and that connection with Him produces peace in me, where can I connect more with God? What are some things I have done in the past that really enhanced my relationship with God?
Prayer: God, I confess that I have looked for peace in other people, places, and things. Help turn my full attention to You, to look to You as my only source of peace, so that I can be an example to my family and others of what the “peace that surpasses all understanding” looks like. I need Your strength to help me do this. Amen.
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