Devotional for Saturday, December 10, 2016
“Peace Is the Presence of God”
by Dona Hake
“Peace is not the absence
of trouble. Peace is the
presence of God.”
of trouble. Peace is the
presence of God.”
How tempting it can be for one to think that if all is going their way that this is how we experience peace. One can also think that if we just go to a place where it is quiet, and we leave our problems behind, that this is peace. The truth is that we could run to the quietest place in the world, but if there is turmoil and frustration in our heart and mind, we will take it with us. Not only does it go with us, but it continues to rage on in our heart. We will find the only true peace is in the presence of our loving God. The truth is that along with His presence that He has promised us is 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.]”
Let us look closer at some specific words of this translation in John 14:27, “…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.
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.”