A college professor told me that dreams mean nothing
unless you remember them. If that happens, then look for an issue in your life
that needs some consideration or resolution. For me, this was good advice, yet
today, there is no resolution for the issue of last night’s dream. Instead of fixing
something, or letting that something trouble me, I need to go to the One who
can give me peace of heart, regardless of unresolved problems. He promised He
would do that.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
The disciples were troubled by Jesus’ words about leaving
them. Even though He promised to send the Holy Spirit, that didn’t give them
peace, at least not the peace that is based on having life be the way they
wanted. So He promised them a different kind of peace, His peace.
His peace is not like the peace of the world that depends
on circumstances. Jesus never promised a rose garden for His disciples, but troubles.
Nevertheless, He offered us something better.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
When Paul wrote letters to the churches, this amazing peace
was a frequent theme. He told the believers in each city to remember that they
had this peace of Christ, a peace that could reign in their minds and hearts no
matter what was going on.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. (Ephesians 2:17)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
This peace is for all, those near to Christ and even
those who are still “far off” yet seeking Him. It is a collective peace — that
is, for the entire body of believers, not just a few who are more prone to
serenity. It is a peace that goes beyond reason, making no sense, yet
nonetheless real and deep.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23)
This peace is not a state of mind that I can conjure up. No
matter how many peaceful thoughts I have, no matter how many beaches or lakes
or quiet places I picture in my mind, the peace of God is not mine unless the Holy
Spirit has filled my heart and controls my life. For that to happen, I must
keep short accounts with God and humbly rely on Him. When I can do that, then
He fills my heart with Himself — and with peace.
Lord, Your Word says that, “You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). I cannot “fix”
any issues in my life, never mind fix the mess in this world. Instead of
fretting over any of it, You remind me that You give perfect peace. You have overcome
the world and You can overcome my problems. I turn my thoughts toward You and
rejoice that You are my peace.
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