Shepherd to Sheep
Peace of Mind and Heart
In today’s text, Jesus promises His disciples “peace”…
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27, NKJV.
It is interesting that in this same verse that Jesus promises peace He also instructs His disciples to not let their hearts be troubled.
There are 2 kinds of “spiritual” peace.
1. Peace WITH God. (Romans 5:1) 2. The peace OF God. (Php 4:7; Col 3:15)
The first is given freely when we are born again. We are no longer at war with God because Jesus paid the price for our sins and took our punishment upon Himself that we might be made right with God. (John 3:16, 2Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:15-16).
The second comes through surrender and trust. As we under-stand God’s great love and care for us we must learn to trust God in everything and “not let our heart become troubled.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-9 ESV)
Pastor Mike