Peace Regardless...

Peace Regardless... John 16:33

Catherine Marshall writes "A king once offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many tried, but there were only two the king really liked. One was of a calm lake. It was a perfect mirror for the peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The other picture had mountains too. But they were rugged and bare. Above them was an angry sky from which fell rain, and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountains tumbled a waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the king looked closely he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in spite of the rush of angry water, she sat on her nest - in perfect peace. Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Why? 'Because,' explained the king, 'Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. Peace means to be in the middle of all these things and still be calm in your heart.'"

Jesus said in, John 16:33NKJ 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.”

Hear the same verse in the TMB- John 16:33TM I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."

The word, ‘tribulation’ often refers to eschatological woes spoken of through out end times. However the same word, ‘tribulation’ is used to mean persecution of Christians for their faith and testimony in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In 1555, Nicholas Ridley was burned at the stake because of his witness for Christ. On the night before Ridley's execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance and comfort. Nicholas declined the offer and replied that he meant to go to bed and sleep as quietly as ever he did in his life. Because he knew the peace of God, he could rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of his Lord to meet his need.

On many occasions I think we have devalued this particular scripture ‘thinking’ it pertains to our car breaking down, or mental, or physical pain. However, Jesus is saying, “I will carry you through all persecution as you go through your Christian journey if you will just trust Me.”

What can ‘peace’ do for my spiritual life? 1. Brings swift knowledge (Wisdom) of God’s presence. 2. Brings God’s voice with clarity. 3. Assurance (Confidence).

Remember, “storms come and go; however, Jesus is steadfast!”

John 14:27NKJ 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 14:27TM I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.

Philippians 4:6-8TM Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. 8.Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

At some point we all discover that there's no safe harbor free from storms; that peace is not the absence of storms, but:

The assurance of God's presence and protection in the midst of them;

The growth of our faith and character because of them;

His rock-solid promise to bring us through them stronger and wiser.

* Duke University did a study on "peace of mind." Factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability are:

The absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness.

Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression.

Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it.

Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress.