Bringing Peace To Your Soul

Daily Reflection – 4/30/2024

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.” (John 14:27-31)

Reflection

Jesus knew His disciples were anxious as they looked to their future. So Jesus gave them His most precious gift. . . the gift of peace. At that moment, they may not have fully understood what that meant but it was Jesus Christ telling them not to be” troubled or afraid.”

In the weeks and months that followed that supper, each of them came to understand that gift of peace. Each of them would overcome worldly strife, pain and even death. Yet, each died in peace.

It seems more difficult to maintain peace of mind and spirit. Today’s world seems devoid of it. Why do so many of us find that peace so elusive? Why do so many of us find peace so fleeting?

The answer is that each day our sense of peace is attacked. Attacked? Yes, attacked by the evil one. He seeks to find us dispirited. If we are dispirited, then it’s easier for him to gain a foothold in our lives. He knows that if a soul is grounded in Christ, peace is there, and he has no place.

There comes a point in all of our lives when we must decide whether we are for Christ. If we answer that we stand with Christ, then we need to act on it. Not words that sound good or are used to impress others but rather submitting our lives to Christ.

It takes no less than that. It’s dying to our selves and choosing to live IN Christ. When we submit ourselves to Christ and allow Christ to be the center of our lives then we are truly living our faith. Christ rules, Christ governs our heart.

Where He is, there is peace.

If you feel battered, or worn out, or riddled by worry, then you must give in and turn over the problem or the issue to Him. Turn it over to Him.

Literally saying I can’t carry this cross alone, but I will if I have you at my side. He is there. He is present in each of us in the Holy Spirit. Yield to his love and give him your trust. Give Him your life.

It’s through the gift and work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, that the Lord Jesus shows us how to yield our passions of anger, fear, and pride to Him so we can receive His gift of peace. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and strengthens us with his gifts and supernatural virtues which enable us to live as wise and holy disciples of Christ.

Jesus called Satan the “ruler of this world” (John 14:30) who seeks to rob people of peace and friendship with God. Jesus defeated the evil one through his death and resurrection and won pardon and peace for all who believe in him. The victory of the cross brought glory to Jesus and to the Father and it is our way to glory with the Father in heaven as well. In the Cross of Christ, we find true peace and reconciliation with God our Father.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus may your peace be always with me. May no troubling thought, trial or affliction rob me of the peace which passes all understanding. You, alone, O Lord, are my Peace. May I always reside in that peace by believing in your word and by doing your will.”

Daily Note

Jesus says to you and me, I give you peace right in the midst of trouble, right in the midst of distress and turmoil and heartache and pressure. I can impart peace to your heart right there, and not as the world gives. How? Why? Because we can return to that basic relationship we have–You in Me, and I in you.

 Out of that comes the guarantee that He is working out His purposes. He will bring us to the end of the trouble. He will still the storm and quiet the waves. We rest in the boat, content, knowing, no water can swallow the ship, where lies the Master of ocean and earth and sky. That is peace.