Not As The World Gives
Beep! Beep! Beep! No, it cannot possibly be another day. I roll over to look at the clock. Its face mocking me. I push snooze and lay back down hoping I can start over. Maybe today will be the day the clock will be my friend and we will walk in harmony together. But no. As I lay my heart tightens and my mind races.
Wake up the boys.
Brush their teeth.
Get them dressed.
Feed them breakfast.
Get their backpacks ready for school.
Get out the door by 7:20am.
What time is my first call for work?
What time is it?
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The clock reminds me it is time to move or fall behind.
I throw off the covers and offer a silent prayer, Jesus, help me get through this day!
Then a still small voice interrupts my thoughts “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)
PEACE.
HIS PEACE.
Bride of Christ, Jesus gives us His spiritual tranquility and freedom from inward or outward disturbance. While the world gifts us clocks and deadlines, Jesus reassures us of His peace’s availability. Jesus offers us unconditionally His peace, unlike the world’s gifts based on performance. His peace sustains not temporarily, but everlasting. It guides not misleading but faithful and true. The giver rooted His peace in selflessness utilizing it to endure death on the cross. He leaves you His peace. He hopes you would receive it to free your heart from worry and fear.
Jesus has left His peace within our reach.
Bride of Christ, take stock of your heart. Does it feel troubled? Does fear keep it heavy? Listen, for the still small voice whispering, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you.” Speak your worry aloud to Jesus. Lay it down and pick up the peace He has left for you. Let His words, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you,” wash over your reflective consciousness. Leave the seat of your intellect, feelings, and will vacant for God to occupy. Reflect. Listen. Remember. Experience the restart.
