Peace

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6:24-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Acquaint now yourself with Him [agree with God and show yourself to be conformed to His will] and be at peace; by that [you shall prosper and great] good shall come to you. Job 22:21 AMP

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms‬ ‭1:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Mark the perfect man, and see the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.  Psalms 37:37 WEB

I will hear what God the Lord will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly.  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭85:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:165‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭120‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.   Isaiah‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; “For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and  constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.  Isaiah 26:3 AMP

Lord, You will establish peace for us, For You have also done all our works in us.  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:12‬ ‭NKJV

‬‬The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace.  ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭6:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace—and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar-  ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭13:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Lord has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.  ‭‭Nahum‬ ‭1:3‬b ‭NKJV‬‬

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’” Matthew‬ ‭10:34-36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27, NLT

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  ‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  ‭‭John‬ ‭20:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  ‭‭John‬ ‭20:21-22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”  ‭‭John‬ ‭20:26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.  Romans 12:18 NLT

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:18,19 NIV

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:17-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.  ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭14:33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭13:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:23‬-24 ‭NKJV‬‬

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.  ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative),  [giving praise to God always].  Colossians 3:15 AMP

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  ‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.  ‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:  ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  ‭‭James‬ ‭2:15-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  ‭‭James‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.    ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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Devotionals

Blessed is the man… his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.  Psalm 1:1-2. Commentary by David Jeremiah. At the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park outside Atlanta, the biggest roller coaster is Goliath: height on the first drop is 200 feet (like stepping off a 20-story building); top speed is 70 miles per hour; length is 4,480 feet spread out over 8.5 acres. For those standing in line to ride Goliath for the first time, fear is the predominant emotion. But for the diehards awaiting their hundredth ride, fear has been replaced by fun.  The difference? Repetition. Doing fearful acts over and over–learning that you will, in fact, survive–is the secret to living in peace. And that’s true even in the spiritual life. If the only time you pray or read your Bible is when a life-threatening crisis arises, you’re not likely to have a lot of peace in spite of God’s promises. But if you are learning to trust God daily by committing everything to Him in prayer–crises big or small–seeing God’s faithfulness repeatedly over time leads to a worry-free life: “God has carried me through countless situations before this. I know He is with me.”  Whatever happens today, commit it to God in prayer and walk in peace. Then repeat daily for the rest of your life.  

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8 KJV. Commentary by Barry Adams. Promise: I will give you a peaceful sleep surrounded by safety.  There are many things in this world that cause us to be afraid and not feel at peace. As a result, many people struggle with sleep at night because of the numerous anxious thoughts that they have circulating in their minds.  Jesus was able to sleep on boats in the midst of storms. He is the Prince of Peace and has promised to give His peace to us. In John 14:27 Jesus says… “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” NIV  His encouragement to us today is to not be afraid. He will make us to lie down in peace and have a restful sleep surrounded by His abiding sense of safety. For all those who struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, I pray that this promise would become a tangible reality for you today.  May you go to sleep tonight not dreading a night of tossing and turning.  May the tangible presence of the Prince of Peace surround you and envelop you with His love so that you can feel truly safe and you can have the best sleep of your life! 

The LORD will give strength unto His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace. Psalms 29:11 KJV. Commentary by Barry Adams.  Promise: I will give you My strength and bless you with My peace.  Two things that we all need in our lives every day are strength and peace. There are so many things in life that will ‘zap’ our strength and steal our peace. The world is looking for these attributes in the vain pursuit of many things but our God and Father has promised to give them to us simply because He is a good Dad.  So when you are feeling weak and are in need of strength, remember this promise so that you can be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10) And when you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He has promised to give His peace to you (John 14:27) just because He loves you!  The Lord is faithful and will strengthen you when you need it and bless you with His peace. You can take this promise to the bank! Be encouraged by the words of Paul the Apostle in Philippians 4:7…And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV 

The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.  -Psalms 29:11, NLT  Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.  Isaiah 2:4. Our Daily Bread, Commentary by Dennis Fisher. World War I has been ranked by many as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Millions lost their lives in the first global modern war. On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. During that historic moment, millions around the world observed moments of silence while they reflected upon the war’s terrible cost—the loss of life and suffering. It was hoped that “the Great War,” as it was called, would truly be “the war that would end all wars.” Despite the many deadly military conflicts that have followed, the hope for lasting peace has not faded. And the Bible offers a hopeful and realistic promise that someday wars will finally end. When Christ returns, Isaiah’s prophecy will come true: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Then the eleventh hour will pass and the first hour of lasting peace in a new heaven and new earth will begin. Until that day comes, those who follow Christ are to be people who represent the Prince of Peace in the way we conduct our lives and in the way we make a difference in our world. Only in Christ can true peace be realized.  

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.  Isaiah 2:4. Commentary by David Jeremiah. In the garden of the United Nations in New York City, a dramatic sculpture — a 1959 gift from the old Soviet Union — bears the words of Isaiah 2:4: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares.” The sculpture shows the figure of a man holding a hammer in one hand, and in the other, a sword that he is beating into a plow. It expresses the great aspiration for world peace. But here’s the problem: Isaiah 2:4 has a first part to the verse. It begins: “He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people.” Isaiah 2 is about the Second Coming of Christ and the establishing of His millennial reign. Without the Prince of Peace, there can be no lasting peace on earth; for the hearts of humanity are evil. Christ alone can usher in a period of global peace. Pray for peace on earth, but also pray: “Your kingdom come.” Only when Christ returns will there be lasting peace. We can’t imagine how wonderful that peace will be, but we can pray, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” When Christ returns, and only then, will the angel’s message to the shepherds be totally fulfilled: Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.  

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3 KJV. Commentary by Barry Adams.  Promise: You will have perfect peace if you keep focused on Me. The New Living Translation Bible says Isaiah 26:3 this way… You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT) I used to think that if I could fix all my thoughts on God in my mind, then I would have perfect peace. But the more I think of the whole verse, the more that I am convinced that I have been emphasizing the wrong part of the verse.  The last part of the KJV version of this verse is the key… because he trusteth in thee. If we truly trust God with all of our life, then we won’t feel the need to spend all of our time thinking about how we should manage our lives ourselves. If we don’t have to think about managing life because we trust God to care for us, then we will have loads of free space in our mind to simply think on God and all of the good things that we are encouraged to think about in Philippians 4:8.  In my many travels, I have not really found a person yet that doesn’t struggle in some degree with an active thought life. My prayer for each and every one of us today is that God would show us that the key to having a mind full of peace is first having a trusting heart. May the love of God convince us more today that He is worthy of our trust!  

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV. Commentary by David Jeremiah. We know the bus we need to catch is always on time. A friend who has promised to help us on Saturday is one who always keeps his word. The pension check we need by the end of the month has never been late. Certainty — or as close as we can get to it in human terms — brings peace of mind. But the truth is, nothing is absolutely certain in life. Things happen that have never happened before. So if we achieve a degree of peace by trusting in things that are less than certain, how much more peace could we enjoy by trusting in Someone who has never failed? The psalmist wrote, “Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful” (very certain; Psalm 119:138). And the apostle Paul said that when we commit our uncertainties to God in prayer, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). We have peace because we believe in God’s absolute trustworthiness. If peace seems elusive in your life today, commit yourself to God, commit your concerns to Him in prayer, and then rest peacefully as you trust in Him.  

They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, “Peace, peace!” when there is no peace.  Jeremiah 6:14. Commentary by David Jeremiah. The League of Nations (1920). The United Nations (1945). Countless regional, charitable, educational, and non-governmental organizations with “peace” in their title. None have actually promised peace, but they have all attacked the problem of war and discord like peace was possible. But all have been without permanent success. At any time of the day, somewhere in the world, a war is being waged.  How are we to live in a warring world without being influenced by such ever-present discord? How can we live in peace when there is no peace around us? How can we quell the internal discord we feel in times of loneliness, discouragement, and despair? The Bible points to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, as the answer (Isaiah 9:6-7). With Him living in us as Lord, the fruit of His Spirit in our life is peace (Galatians 5:22). When we commit our anxieties and discord to Him in prayer, we receive His peace (Philippians 4:6)–regardless of what is going on around us or within us. Don’t wait for the world to give you a peace it has no ability to provide. Take the peace of Christ that is available today to calm your troubled soul.  Exchange your worries for His peace, and learn to lean on Jehovah-Shalom–“The Lord Who Calms our Fears.”  

Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace… Ezekiel 13:10a.  Commentary by David Jeremiah. There was a reason World War I was called “the Great War”–it was the largest, costliest war in human history. To ensure such a war never happened again, the Allied nations helped create the League of Nations (1920) whose principle responsibility was to maintain world peace through negotiations, disarmament, settling of disputes through the justice system, and other means. At the height of its existence the League had 58 members. Unfortunately, World War II proved the League lacked the ability to keep the peace and it was replaced in 1946 by the United Nations–which has also failed to bring peace on earth.  There is nothing wrong with trying to create peace. Indeed, the apostle Paul wrote, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Whether others seek the same peace is beyond our control. But regardless of what is happening around us, we can have the peace of God “[guarding our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).  As attention is turned to the birth of Christ in December, let His peace be birthed in your heart. What is impossible with man is certainly possible with God.  

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. -Matthew 5:9.  Commentary by David Jeremiah. Choose Peace: A word.  A slight.  A look.  A forgotten birthday or anniversary. A piece of gossip about us–yes, it was true but no, it didn’t need to be spoken. Things happen to us every day, from minor to major, that could serve as an excuse for vengeance. And each time something hurtful happens, we have a choice to make: Will we be a peacemaker or a revenge seeker? Will we inflame the event with the fire of revenge or will we smother it with the blanket of peace?  Let’s assume you’ve been hurt purposefully. What should you do? God said, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). Substitute whatever you’re tempted to do in retaliation for the word “death” in that verse and you’ll get God’s counsel on your contemplated course of action. God said that vengeance is His; He will repay (Romans 12:19). And Paul wrote that we are to do everything possible to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). When we choose to forgive instead of fight, we are bringing peace to the world.  If you are faced with the choice of seeking peace or seeking vengeance today, choose peace. Receive the blessing of God in return for spreading the peace of God.  

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!”  Mark 4:39a. Commentary by David Jeremiah. Do you remember Hurricane John? It formed in the Pacific in 1994 and set a world record as the longest-lasting and farthest-traveling hurricane in recorded history. It was also one of the strongest hurricanes to have ever swept across the sea. It lasted a full month–31 days–and traveled from the eastern Pacific to the western Pacific and back to the central Pacific. Fortunately it remained mostly at sea, so damage was minimal despite the duration of the storm, but it broke records everywhere it went.  Some storms seem to go on forever. A health crisis, a job disruption, a damaged relationship, a tough period at church. For the disciples, the storm lasted far too long. They feared death by drowning while their Lord slept peacefully in the stern. But Jesus knew the exact time to say, “Peace, be still.” It was just at 4:39–Mark 4:39. At that moment, the winds ceased, and there was a great calm.  Let’s learn to weather the storm by faith in Him. Our times are in His hands, and in His timing He will say, “Peace, be still!”  

John 14:27. Commentary by David Jeremiah. We live in a deadly, disease-ridden, war-weary world; and there’s no cessation of trouble. But the Lord Jesus Christ can give inner peace, and He can provide assurance of eternal peace. In one of His greatest promises, He said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).  How personal! Notice the phrases: …with you…to you…to you…your heart.  We don’t know how to suspend war or wickedness, but as Christians we walk with the Lord and experience His peace every day.  

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives… John 14:27. Commentary by David Jeremiah. In his devotional book By the Still Waters, Vance Havner tells of attending a small service in a little church on a cold February night. The people were local farming folk, and a time was given for sharing testimonies. The last to speak was a humble woman plainly dressed who rose and simply said: “I praise the Lord for a deep, settled peace. The world did not give it to me, and the world can’t take it away.”  “That testimony lingers with me,” wrote Havner. “I think of scholars and sages ransacking libraries and perusing heavy philosophies, searching for the secret of peace, while the plain, farm-woman had been enjoying it through the years.”  There’s much we don’t comprehend. The plans that God has foreordained for us are beyond our understanding, but we know that when we are with Him, there will be peace and rest and joy such as we have never imagined. The world didn’t give it, and the world cannot take it away.  

Peace I leave with you; My peace I now give and bequeath to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.)  John 14:27. Commentary by Joyce Meyer. According to our Scripture for today we can choose to be upset or choose not to be.  Not getting upset about the things in life that don’t go our way or that we cannot control is one way of eliminating stress.  Why try to do something about something we can’t do anything about?  We should pray without delay and cast our burden and concern on God, asking Him to take care of it. Another way to eliminate stress is to not overload your schedule.  Learning to say, “I can’t do that,” is not a sign of weakness.  Everyone has limits, and knowing what yours are, and staying within them, indicates that you are a wise person.  Don’t feel that you need to be able to do what someone else does. Doing things that you enjoy will help relieve stress, so be sure you include them in your to-do list.  Laugh often; it is good for the soul as well as the body.  If you really want to eliminate stress and enjoy a more peaceful life, I suggest that you start jotting down when you get upset and what it was that upset you.  Such a list is a good place to begin; it makes you aware of how often you’re letting yourself get upset and what the things are that you’re permitting to steal your peace.  After you see the problem, then start making healthy lifestyle changes that will give you the end result you desire.  LOVE YOURSELF TODAY:  Eliminate at least one thing from your life today that is causing stress, and continue the process until you are enjoying peace.  

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27. Commentary by David Jeremiah. “A World of Happiness in an Ocean of Peace.” That slogan decorated hotels and restaurants across Hawaii in early December of 1941. The island of Oahu was considered remote, safe, and peaceful, where one could live close to the flowers and the warm surf of the Pacific. Most Honolulu residents didn’t lock their doors, and some homeowners hadn’t had keys for years … a world of happiness in an ocean of peace. … until December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked. The world’s peace can disappear very quickly. The world gives peace, but takes it away. Jesus gives us a legacy of lasting peace. Matthew Henry said about John 14:27: “When Christ was about to leave the world He made His will. His soul He committed to His Father; His body He bequeathed to Joseph to be decently interred; His clothes fell to the soldiers; His mother He left to the care of John: but what should He leave to His poor disciples that had left all for Him? Silver and gold He had none; but He left them that which was infinitely better — His peace.”  

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. —John 16:33. Our Daily Bread, commentary by Hia Chek Phang. Alfred Nobel made a fortune from the invention of dynamite, which changed the course of warfare. Perhaps because of the horrors that wars inflicted with the use of dynamite, he made a provision in his will for a prize to be given annually to those who work to promote peace. Today it’s called the Nobel Peace Prize. God’s expression of peace to the world was His Son. When Jesus was born, the angels’ clear, unmistakable message to the shepherds was “on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). The biblical definition of peace is, first of all, peace with God (Romans 5:1). Sin makes us enemies with God (Romans 5:10), but Jesus’ coming to this earth and dying on the cross turned away God’s wrath. We can now be reconciled with Him. Having put right our relationship with God, Jesus now enables us to work at breaking down the barriers between us and others. Another kind of peace is having the peace of God (Philippians 4:7). There is no need to be anxious about anything, for we are told that we can make our requests known to Him. Having brought peace, Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 12:2). Today, we can have peace with God and the peace of God. 

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. —John 16:33. Our Daily Bread, commentary by Joe Stowell. If you’ve never heard of Murphy’s Law, you’ve probably experienced it: “If anything can go wrong, it will.”  Murphy’s maxim reminds me of the principle Jesus shared with His disciples when He told them, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV). In other words, we can count on it—sooner or later we will hit troubled times. It’s not the way God originally intended life to be, but when the human race first succumbed to Satan’s seduction in the garden, everything on this planet fell into the grip of sin. And the result has been disorder and dysfunction ever since.  The reality of trouble in life is obvious. It’s the reality of peace that often eludes us. Interestingly, when Jesus warned His followers about trouble, in the same breath He also promised peace. He even told them to “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (v.33). The word overcome indicates a past event that has a continuing effect. Not only did Jesus conquer the fallen world through His death and resurrection, but He continues to provide victory, no matter how much trouble we may face.  So, although we can expect some trouble in this fallen world, the good news is that we can count on Jesus for peace in troubled times.  Dear Lord, thank You for always being with us. We ask that when troubles invariably come, You would renew in us once again the blessed peace of Your presence. Amen. In the midst of troubles, peace can be found in Jesus.  

Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” —John 20:26. Our Daily Bread, commentary by David McCasland. At our church we often sing the beautiful song by Ron and Carol Harris: “In This Very Room.” It begins, “In this very room there’s quite enough love for one like me.” This song reminds me that although there is great encouragement in gathering with other Christians for worship, the important thing is that Christ is present. But it goes beyond that. He is with us not just at church but in every room of our lives.  I wonder where you’re reading this—a kitchen, a coffee shop, a prison cell, a military post? Perhaps you’re in a hospital or a courtroom. It may be a room that reflects everything that’s right in your life or a place that represents all that’s wrong. And you might be afraid.  In the aftermath of the awful reality of Jesus’ crucifixion, His followers met in a familiar room. John records that “when the doors were shut [locked] where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’” (John 20:19). A week later it happened again when Jesus entered through locked doors to bring peace through His presence (John 20:26-29).  Wherever you are today, “There’s quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom, for Jesus, Lord Jesus, is in this very room.”  Our loving God is always near- forever by our side.  

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:1 NKJV. Commentary by David Jeremiah. As you seek peace, get rid of the external trappings in your life and ask the simple question: Is Christ in me? Putting your faith in Christ releases you from rules and rituals and allows you to walk in the freedom and newness that He gives. Believers are empowered by the Author of peace to be ambassadors of peace. Is there someone you know who is longing for peace? 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace…Romans 5:1. Commentary by David Jeremiah. One evening earlier this year, residents of a town in the Philippines made a gallant effort to set a Guinness World Record for the number of sky lanterns illumined in one place. Over 100,000 people created a sea of lights that shimmered like the stars. The slogan for the event was: “World Peace Through Inner Peace.” Organizers wanted to advance their belief that meditation could bring about personal peace; and if everyone possessed inner peace, it would lead to global peace. There was logic to their slogan, but something was missing. Without Christ, there is no inner peace. Perhaps meditation and other psychological techniques can lower our blood pressure or stave off panic attacks; but enduring inner peace is a gift of God’s grace, and it comes only from a personal commitment to Christ. When we receive God’s grace, we receive His peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). He will keep you in perfect peace as your mind is fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3).  

Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.  ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. Commentary by David Jeremiah. What does it take to amaze Jesus? Twice in His earthly ministry, Jesus “marveled” (“was amazed,” NIV) at something. Once was when a Roman centurion had the faith to believe Jesus could heal his servant just by speaking the word from a distance (Luke 7:1-10). The soldier understood authority and recognized that sickness was subject to Jesus. His faith told him that all Jesus needed to do was give the command and the servant would be healed. Jesus was amazed at this demonstration of faith. (The other instance is in Mark 6:6–Jesus was amazed for the opposite reason.)  John the Baptist verbalized a kingdom principle to the crowds who came to receive his baptism: “Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” That is, your life must demonstrate your faith. That applies in every area of the faith life–even worry and anxiety. If we commit our worries to God in prayer, and believe we have been given the peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7), we need to walk in peace. We need to bring forth fruits worthy of God’s promise and our prayer.  If you are worried today, amaze Jesus by how you acknowledge His lordship by walking in peace.  

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7. Our Daily Bread, commentary by Poh Fang Chia. During a major economic downturn several years ago, many people lost their jobs. Sadly, my brother-in-law was one of them. Writing to me about their situation, my sister shared that although there were uncertainties, they had peace because they knew that God would care for them. Believers in Jesus can have peace in the midst of uncertainties because we have the assurance that our heavenly Father loves His children and cares for our needs (Matthew 6:25-34). We can bring all our concerns to Him with an attitude of thankfulness, trusting Him to meet our needs and give us peace (Philippians 4:6-7). “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” writes the apostle Paul, “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (v.7). To say the peace of God surpasses all understanding reveals that we can’t explain it, but we can experience it as He guards our hearts and minds. Our peace comes from the confidence that the Lord loves us and He is in control. He alone provides the comfort that settles our nerves, fills our minds with hope, and allows us to relax even in the midst of changes and challenges. Heavenly Father, You are all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving. In the midst of uncertainties, help me to rest in the certainty of who You are. I thank You that Your peace will guard my heart. I place my trust in You. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. —Isaiah 26:3 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 KJV. Commentary by Barry Adams. Promise: My great peace will guard your heart and thoughts in Jesus.  God wants to impart a peace to us that is so deep and so profound that our minds can’t actually fathom it! The Prince of Peace Himself is offering you and I the very same peace that causes His own heart to be at rest all of the time. (John 14:27)  In the busyness of life, when you feel like you are being pulled apart in many directions, God has promised that His peace will guard both your heart and your mind through Jesus. I like how the Amplified Bible translates this verse… Philippians 4:7  And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (AMP)  Jesus has already secured God’s peace for you. This peace cannot be grasped with a human understanding, but can only be received by faith in Jesus Christ. I pray that the overwhelming peace of God will rest upon you today and provide the protection that your heart and mind needs to live at peace even in the midst of life’s storms.  

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.  Colossians 3:15. Commentary by David Jeremiah. Have you noticed how many “wars” are raging around us? I’m not talking just about military conflicts. We have a way of branding everything a war. There’s a war on coal, a war on drugs, and a war on poverty. Companies get into bidding wars, neighbors get into wars of words, and Microsoft and Apple are duking it out in tablet wars. Not to be outdone, churches sometimes engage in worship wars. Some wars are worth fighting, and some are unavoidable. But what we most need is peace — peace in our world, in our homes, in our churches, and peace in our hearts. One day the Prince of Peace will come, and “of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7). God will ultimately balance the scales of right and wrong. Until then, we can experience peace with God and the peace of God. Today fix your thoughts on Him. Turn your eyes to His promises. Place your circumstances in His hands. Claim His wonderful, wonderful peace, sweet peace, the gift of His love. 

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways.  The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 WEB. Commentary by Barry Adams. Promise: I will give you peace at all times and in every situation.   We live in a restless world that longs for peace.  Because the Prince of Peace lives within us, we have access to a peace that is beyond our own understanding. A peace that will bring rest and tranquility to the busyness of our soul. A peace that will be a shield and a shelter for our tender heart. In John 14:27, Jesus promises to give us His peace. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that His peace is available to us even in the midst of a troubled world. A peace that can sleep on a boat in the midst of a raging storm. If you are in a situation today where you need the assurance of God’s peace, open up your heart to God and ask Him to fill you with His peace. The peace that rests on Jesus is the peace that is promised to every child of God as part of our inheritance. No matter what you are going through in your life, God promises to give you peace at all times and in every situation. As Isaiah 26:3 (WEB) says…”You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”  

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.  – 2 Thessalonians 3:16. Our Daily Bread, commentary by Bill Crowder. While I was visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, two trees caught my attention. Though the leaves on the surrounding trees were not moving, the leaves of these trees were fluttering with just the slightest hint of a breeze. I pointed them out to my wife, and she told me they were called quaking aspens. I was struck by the visual effect of those shaking leaves. While all the other trees appeared calm and steady, the quaking aspen leaves shook, even with only the faintest breeze. Sometimes I feel like a quaking aspen. People around me seem to be moving through life without issues or concerns, apparently steady and secure, while even the slightest issue can unsettle my heart. I see others and marvel at their calm and wonder why my own life can so easily be filled with turbulence. Thankfully, the Scriptures remind me that genuine, steadying calm can be found in the presence of God. Paul wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Not only does God offer peace, He Himself is the Lord of peace.  When we enter the disturbing, unsettling seasons of life, it is good to know that real peace is available in the God of all peace. Prince of Peace, teach me to find in You the calming power of Your presence. Strengthen me today with Your peace, and grant me the stability I need in this turmoil-filled world. Amen. Peace is more than the absence of conflict; peace is the presence of God. 

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Quotes

“The peace of the believer is deep, calm, lasting, everlasting. The world, with all its blandishments, cannot give it. The world, with all its fluctuations… cannot take it away.”  – From an anonymous 1854 devotional book, The Words of Jesus

“Know Christ; know peace. No Christ, no peace.”  – Anonymous 

“Sometimes our lives feel like a whirlwind, but we have confidence in the future because we have a God who rides above the storms.”  – Anonymous 

“The minor prophets spoke about a time when peace/shalom/wholeness WILL return: they used the phrase ‘in that day’”. – Anonymous

“No waters can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean, and earth, and skies.”  – Mary A. Baker

“O the peace I find in Jesus, Peace no power on earth can shake, Peace that makes the Lord so precious, Peace that none from me can take.”  – John A. Beck, Our Daily Bread

“Peace, peace, sweet peace, wonderful gift from above.”  – Peter P. Bilhorn, hymnist

“The Christian needs to walk in peace, so no matter what happens they will be able to bear witness to a watching world.” – Henry Blackaby

“Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace… If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you know what His will is.” – Amy Carmichael

“Because of the empty tomb, we have peace. Because of His resurrection, we can have peace during even the most troubling of times because we know He is in control of all that happens in the world.” – Paul Chappell

“Peace! peace! wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above, Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, In fathomless billows of love.”  – Warren D. Cornell

“Almighty God, only You can bring peace and order to our chaotic existence. When the problems of this world seem too overwhelming, gently draw us near so that we may discover anew Your calming touch. Amen.”   – James Dobson

“To added affliction He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.”  – Annie Johnson Flint

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”  – Benjamin Franklin

“There are thousands of earth’s rich and renowned who would give it all for the childish confidence of the soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose.”  – Vance Havner

“Christ died He left a will in which He gave His soul to His Father, His body to Joseph of Arimathea, His clothes to the soldiers, and His mother to John. But to His disciples, who had left all to follow Him, He left not silver or gold, but something far better – His PEACE!” – Matthew Henry

“Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.” – Matthew Henry

“Do not let your peace depend on what people say of you…. True peace and joy is to be found in [Jesus] alone.”   – Thomas a’ Kempis

“We should have much more peace if we would not busy ourselves with the sayings and doings of others.” – Thomas a Kempis

“Thy peace shall be in much patience.” – Thomas a Kempis

“If our minds are stayed upon God, His peace will rule the affairs entertained by our minds. If, on the other hand, we allow our minds to dwell on the cares of this world, God’s peace will be far from our thoughts.” – Woodrow Kroll

“God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”  – C. S. Lewis

“True peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of God.”  – Loveless

“Peace if possible, but truth at any rate.” – Martin Luther

“God can work peace through us only if He has worked peace in us… Those who are in the best of circumstances but without God can never find peace, but those in the worst of circumstances but with God need never lack peace.” – John MacArthur

“If we lived under the constant benediction of the deepest truth of the universe — ‘God is love’ — our peace would be full.” – Alexander Maclaren

“In order to have peace, focus on the present moment, be content and don’t compare, stress or worry.”   – Kevin Mallery

“You can be more peaceful by eliminating anxiety.”  – Kevin Mallery

“only say or do something if you have inner peace about it.”  – Kevin Mallery

“Because of the favor of God, we can have peace in the midst of chaos.” – Crystal McDowell

“As we pour out our bitterness, God pours in his peace.”  – F.B. Meyer

“A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do is to enter into it.” – Dwight L. Moody

“There cannot be any peace where there is uncertainty.” – Dwight L. Moody

“Peace begins with a smile.” – Mother Teresa

“An unpeaceful mind cannot operate normally. Hence the Apostle teaches us to ‘have no anxiety about anything’ (Philippians 4:6). Deliver all anxious thoughts to God as soon as they arise. Let the peace of God maintain your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).” – Watchman Nee

“A born-again person ought to possess unspeakable peace in the spirit.” – Watchman Nee

“We cannot enjoy peace in this world unless we are ready to yield to the will of God in respect of death. Our times are in His hand, at His sovereign disposal. We must accept that as best.” – John Owen

“Great thoughts of your sin alone will drive you to despair; but great thoughts of Christ will pilot you into the haven of peace.” – Charles Spurgeon

”Peace does not come from your distance from trouble, but rather from the nearness of your Savior.” – Paul Tripp

“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” – Thomas Watson

“No one can have the peace of God until they are at peace with God.” – Jack Wellman

“Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild— God and sinners reconciled!’”  – Charles Wesley

”Peace is the deep rest and assurance of good that comes from complete abandonment to God.” – Dallas Willard

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