Devotion on Peace, Jerry Kotzman
I’ve lived all my life in either Illinois or Texas. One thing that rattles my peace are the words: “Tornado Warning–Take Cover Now!” Just recently, we’ve had an EF 4 drop just to the southwest of us and an EF 5 drop north of us–horrible damage. As bad as those are, they’re not as bad as the life “tornado warnings” that rattle our peace. What are they? A financial crisis? Health crisis? Family crisis? Relationship crisis? A loved-ones death? Past painful memories of abuse, neglect, a failed relationship or mistakes I’ve made? Failing grades in school? Unforgiveness? Addictions? Bitterness? Envy? Jealousy? Other issues? Quoting A. W. Tozer: “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.” When Jesus is present in our crisis, we can have peace. Jesus slept in the back of the boat while the storm raged (Mt 8:24). Why? He gave His word that they would make it to the other side; He knew His destiny and His reason for being on planet Earth. Several times, the religious leaders wanted to seize Jesus before His time, but each time, a way of escape was made and He slipped away. He did so in a state of perfect peace. The three Hebrew children had peace in the fiery furnace. Why? God was with them in the fire. Peter, and later Paul and Silas had peace in prison. Why? Jesus was not just with them, but in them. When we realize that God has a plan and a destiny for our lives and that He is with us in the troubles, we can be at peace. Not just a relaxation, but His perfect peace. Why? The Prince of Peace, Jehovah-Shalom is in us as believers in Jesus Christ. We rest on His peace, not ours. Paul writes: Philippians 4:6-8–“6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 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.” 1). What does peace mean to you? 2). Do you remember a time when you had perfect peace? 3). What are the obstacles that are keeping you from having God’s peace? Jude 1:2-“Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.”
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