Peace

"Peace" - used to be a slogan in the by-gone hippie era of the 70's.  Suddenly, with war looming on the horizon, it's a hot topic once again.  Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).  Timely words!  The world cannot give us peace but Jesus has given His peace to His followers.  We have only to avail ourselves of it.  You see, we do have a choice in the matter.  We can accept God's peace or we can "let" ourselves be troubled and afraid.  And apart from Christ, there certainly is plenty to be afraid of!

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7).  Lately I've begun to see that this command (and promise) from God is not optional.  It's an essential survival tool.  It's also the only way to experience God's peace.  You see, God's peace is not just serenity or a lack of feeling - it's joy despite the circumstances.  God knows I can't achieve that on my own.  There are too many bumps in the road - problems, irritations, emotional and physical ups and downs - and I need His help.  We all do.  The next time, you're fearful, upset or worried, STOP.  Lift it all up to God in prayer.  The load that can crush us is nothing for the God of the universe.

May you experience true peace - the kind that the world can't give and the world can't take away.

Pastor Mary