Peace…

Peace, it’s not a very big word but it covers a lot of ground!

Today, I’m not talking about peace in the Middle East! Not within our governmental parties or the world! Nor the peace with your spouse, children, or family members!

But peace within self! How is that elusive butterfly obtained? Well, there are bookstores full of self-help books. There are counselors galore hoping for a chance to help you explore your mind. There are herbs and pills of many colors. Then ~ there’s Jesus!

James 3:17 NCV: “The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please.”

In my morning devotion, Max Lucado shared this scripture and his thoughts, which deeply resonated with me. And I hope it does with you as well! (Max Lucado, “Just Like Jesus”)

The heart of Jesus was pure; Jesus’ heart was peaceful. Jesus was in constant communication with God the Father!

He knew and trusted Him! We can too!

When the disciples were all distressed because of the multitudes of people Jesus just told them to feed! They reacted in the flesh, like how are we supposed to do that! We are in the middle of nowhere with a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread. They must have given Jesus a look of confused disdain! Jesus didn’t worry! “He thanked God for the problem.”

When the disciples were caught in a raging storm upon the sea, scared out of their wits as water crashed upon and in their boat, they were sinking fast, and where was Jesus, over on a pillow sound asleep! Why and how was that achieved? Jesus trusted God! And so can we!

When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter chopped off a soldier’s ear! Seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Jesus in turn, gently healed! In a knee-jerk reaction, have you made a mess? Give it to Jesus to heal!

Upon writing this this morning, I see a common denominator: the disciples reacted in the flesh; Jesus responded in the spirit! We, as well, will always have our first reactions be of the mind and flesh; This is where we need to stop, drop, and pray! To be more like Jesus in situations, peacefully in trust of God above!

This is the beginning of a beautiful prayer and change in reaction! Ask God to help you control your fleshly emotions and to replace them with wisdom and peace. Believe me when I tell you what a game-changer life can be when we inject the wisdom from said prayers into whatever situation we may be facing!

1 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 😌