EXPERIENCE THE PEACE OF GOD
Gospel Reading: John 14:27-31

"Peace" is my farewell to you, my peace is my gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace. v.27

On a corporate level the world gives peace through military control, political negotiation, and economic success; on a private level, through external security and happiness. None of these things, even those that are good, brings the peace that comes from Jesus.

PEACE IS A WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus brings a peace that "passes all understanding," a peace that is at work even in the midst of conflict and war. It is something internal, from the Spirit that can never be taken from us if we are living in the Spirit. His peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our soul. As Paul wrote, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace" (Gal 5:22).

The work of the Spirit occurs in the mind and heart. Before you can even say the word, "God," you must think it. As you direct your mind to certain thoughts, your heart will follow. "Be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Rom 12:2). Paul told us that if our thoughts are wholly directed, then the God of peace will be with us (Phil 4:8-9). As we purposefully and consistently choose to forgive, love and thank with our mind, we begin to experience peace of heart.

PERSEVERE IN MAKING RIGHT CHOICES

External peace, however, cannot be fully realized in this world. Paul wrote, "If possible, live peaceably with everyone" (Rom 12:18). The "if possible," of that sentence is a big "if," because we can expect conflict in the world and in the church. But each individual, despite whatever suffering or conflict comes, must persevere in making the choices necessary to have the internal heartfelt peace of God.

Do you know this peace in your life? If not, consider how well you control your thoughts. Notice where your mind goes when it wanders. Does it go to God? Train your mind to meditate on God. Then it will wander back to him when it gets lost. Then you will know peace in your heart.

John Michael Talbot