Devotional for Tuesday, July 12, 2016
“This Is What Peace Is Not”
by Dona Hake
“Peace is not the absence
of trouble. Peace is the
presence of God.”
of trouble. Peace is the
presence of God.”
Many times people think they have peace in their hearts just because all seems to be going their way. One can also think that if they just go to a place where it is quiet, and they leave their problems behind, that this is peace. The truth is that you could run to the quietest place in the world, but if there is turmoil and frustration in your heart and mind, you will take it with you. Not only does it go with you, but it continues to rage on in your heart. We will find the only true peace is in the presence of our loving God. Along with His presence, He has promised us the ultimate peace. Let us look at the following scripture, and I encourage you to read this translation slowly, and let it touch your heart.
John 14:27 (AMP)
“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”
I love how it says, “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves…” It sounds to me like we have some effort to be made on our part doesn’t it? Today I encourage you to discipline your heart and mind to look and purpose yourself to stay in the presence of your Lord and Savior Jesus. Today may we meditate on what peace is not. It is not the absence of problems, turmoil, and bad circumstances, it is living in the presence of God.
Psalm 16:11 (CEB)
” You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.”