“MY PEACE!”

 John 14:25-31                                  (ESV)

“[25] “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. [26] But the HELPER, the HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM the FATHER will send in MY NAME, HE will teach you ALL THINGS and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. [27] 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. [28] You heard ME say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved ME, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the FATHER, for the FATHER is greater than I. [29] And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. [30] I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on ME, [31] but I do as the FATHER has commanded ME, so that the world may know that I love the FATHER. Rise, let us go from here.”

This morning I am watching molten lava pour over the Spanish Canary Islands, just off of the coast of Morocco.  As the volcano erupts, my mind immediately goes to the fear and doubt that must be consuming those who are in the midst of the carnage.  We humans tend to become so consumed with what we are able to amass during our time on earth, but our CREATOR is wanting to give us “MY PEACE”, especially when our hearts are troubled and afraid!  

Troubling times ARE coming, for some.  The uncertainty that “this world” has to offer can be trying, even overwhelming!  Remembering WHO IS IN CONTROL and that HE brings “MY PEACE” during times such aa a volcano eruption isn’t “natural”.  On the contrary, “MY PEACE” during a violent storm caused the disciples to fearfully wake JESUS to declare in Mark 4:40 “WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID? HAVE YOU STILL NO FAITH?”

When a storm makes its presence in our lives, we usually have the reaction that the disciples had when they were at sea.  Declaring that JESUS IS GOD is easier when the seas are smooth and no turmoil is threatening us.  However, when our smooth seas have a few waves and the waters are unpredictable, acknowledging that GOD IS IN CONTROL is typically the last thing that I want to proclaim.  

When we are able to SEE “MY PEACE”, even through the storms of life, we are only beginning to exhibit the Spiritual Maturity that Glorifies the FATHER.   Knowing that “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1 KJV) are still in HIS CONTROL and not losing FAITH is where I desire to be.  Whether it is a rough sea or an active volcano, “MY PEACE” is all we need to TRUST in!!!