John 14- Peace

Scripture

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

Observation

A sense of peace is a hard thing to find in our chaotic world.  It seems tough to just find a moment of silence. Even before I go to sleep I start thinking of the day I just went through and the day to come.  I have been fighting a cold the last couple of days and I have found how hard it has been to just relax.  There seems like there are always errands to run or plans you have made that you just can’t break because the world might end.  I have tried to lay down and relax but my mind keeps going to things I have to do for work or things I need to get done.  That is why I thank God for NyQuil.  I have taken a few doses this last couple of days and it has forced me to go to sleep and rest.  Something my body desperately needed.  The NyQuil was able to give me the temporary peace I needed.  Here is the thing though as soon as I woke up, all my troubles and worries came back.  So maybe this scripture is saying the true everlasting “NyQuil” if you will is God, who can give you true everlasting peace.  

Application

I will look to God for peace.  I know that the more I read his word and pray the less troubled and afraid I am.  I will be aware of self-medications, not just NyQuil (lol), but watching a movie when I am stressed, or having a beer when I am troubled.  Since these self-medications can go out of control if unchecked and only provide temporary false peace.  It is not to say that having NyQuil, a beer, or watching a movie is bad.  It is saying for what reason.  If you having the beer because you are troubled or sad, then you should turn to God first.  Why? Because God promises in this verse, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  

Prayer

God thank you for your peace that you offer us.  Thank you for giving us a true everlasting peace.  A peace that can’t be bought over the counter or found in any store.  It is a peace that reaches are innermost parts.  I will commit to turn to you when I am troubled and afraid and remember  your promises.  Thank you Lord for the peace you have given me, let me not forget.  Amen.