Cultivating a Heart of Peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 NRSV
Series: Cultivating a Heart of Peace
Devotional: 1 of 7
Every human who has ever walked the earth is in search of peace in some form or fashion. We all long for peace in our innermost being, peace that reaches down into the depths of our soul, touching every area of our lives--mind, body, and spirit.
We long for peace that renovates the condition of our hearts from the inside out. We long for peace that brings healing to how we view ourselves, others, and even God. And we long for peace that brings about real lasting transformation in our homes, workplaces, communities, and churches.
But where does peace come from? Is peace a feeling, a place, or a set of carefully curated circumstances? And is it possible to become a more peaceful person?
The world, whose value systems stand in direct opposition to Jesus and His Kingdom, would have us believe that finding inner peace is accomplished by looking within ourselves. That somehow, deep down in the center of who we are, there is a more peaceful, tranquil person just waiting to come to the surface.
However, this line of thinking contradicts God's Word regarding the source of peace in our lives. Philippians 4:7 says, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And Jesus declared to His followers, both then and now, that "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (See John 14:27 NRSV) Only the Holy Spirit can transform our whole person (mind, body, and spirit) into a person characterized by the peace of God.
Dallas Willard once wrote, "Peace with God comes only from acceptance of his gift of life in his Son (See Romans 5:1-2). We are then assured of the outcome of our lives and are no longer trying to justify ourselves before God or others. We have accepted that we are not righteous or even totally competent and that we cannot be so on our own. We have laid down the burden of justifying ourselves before men. This is the peace that grows within us."
Today, where do you long to experience more of God's peace in your life? Where do you long to find freedom from the chains of worry, doubt, and fear?
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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