John 14:27 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.
This verse strikes several chords within me. First is Peace. Oh how I long for peace. What does peace mean to you? Quiet, no drama, security? All these are great, but not the kind of peace that comes from God. These would be how the world gives peace. God's peace comes from within, it is best described as a calm understanding that God has whatever is going on under control. I have experienced that peace when my Mother's cancer returned. I knew she would not survive, but I also knew God had a plan.
The second chord this strikes is "Do not let your hearts be troubled". Worry, discontentment, comparison--all lead to a troubled heart. And all three do not add a minute more to your life. They do not "fix" anything either. So how do we fix the troubled heart? Meditation on scriptures in a great place to start. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so with the comfort we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God." Here is a great verse to start your meditation on. You can also meditate on the Psalms. My favorite is Psalm 121, it reinforces who God is. But also states that He does not slumber. The second part of releasing your troubled heart is through prayer. God is your best friend, your ally, and you confidant. When you pray your heart, He gives you His peace. Not as the world sees it, but as a release of the tension you feel at the moment. Daily conversation with Him strengthens your resolve and provides an outlet for your troubles.
Third chord is the final part of this verse. "Do not be afraid." Our fears cause our hearts to be troubled. Romans 8:31 says, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" God does not say we won't be troubled, we will face trials; however, He will not leave us. We face trials not to weaken us but to strengthen our need of and faith in God. Relying on God during our trials makes our faith stronger. We should also rely on Him during the good times too, singing His praises for all He has done for us. Psalms 121 states that my help comes from God. Now you understand why it is my favorite Psalm. It clearly states who God is, my helper who will not sleep. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth. That says He is all powerful! He can handle my troubles.
Three chords in one verse makes my heart a symphony of Hope. I know God is with me and will pull me through whatever I face. Meditation and prayer provide a centering for me. Scriptures ground me and prayer lifts me. What about you? What fill your heart with trouble? What restores your soul? Where is your Hope?
Psalm 31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
These three vreses are some verses to help you start your meditation. Read Psalms 23, 121 and 130 for more meditation scriptures.
My prayer for those who read my blog is this:
I pray for the Hearts that are troubled that they may be filled with you peace, Lord. I pray for the crushed in spirit that they may be healed. I pray for the strengthening of their faith and their understanding of who you are. Lord, help all of us find our Hope in you. Help us to find less of us and more of you. You are The Great I A,. Creator and Father. Thank you for your Son. Thank you that You love us. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen
