The Gift of Peace
Jesus spoke to his disciples in John 14 about what would happen after his death. In preparation for this, he spoke to his disciples often about the promises to them. “Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). Jesus promised to send them the comforter in the person of the Holy Spirit. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16). Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit, would teach the disciples and remind them of the things which he had shared with them.
Jesus’s other promise in this teaching was the gift of peace. This is the sort of peace which passes all human understanding and reasoning. Paul mentioned that this peace would guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Anxiety, worry, dread and fear are all connected to the heart and mind. A restless mind produces anxiety and can cause sensations like an elevated heart rate and heart palpitations. Paul was confirming that the peace which Jesus promised us, would protect our mind and hearts from these symptoms of stress. The world is in search of rest and peace.
Many people will pay a lot of money to see therapist, counsellors, coaches and gurus in order to try to cultivate peace. Other people spend money, on expensive health and wellness retreats in order to try to find peace and calm. The good news is that for the believer in Christ, this is a free gift. Just like the Holy Spirit is a gift to us, along with Him is gift of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and as long as we remain connected to him, then we are guaranteed peace. Why are so many Christians not at peace? Examine what and who they are connected to.
Are you more connected to the news, social media and your phone? Do you constantly engage in gossip and hearsay? Being overly saturated with worldly affairs will rob us of our peace. When we hear God speak, his voice gives us peace and a reassurance that he is with us. We have a choice to either stay busy with the cares of life and neglect time in the presence God, or we can stay connected in order to maintain our peace. It was a revelation to me when I discovered that Jesus actually promised us his peace. Stay in his presence and rest in his free gift peace.
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
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Published
April 27, 2022April 27, 2022
