Peace in Christ

If you live in this world, you will have trouble/affliction/ distress. It's no surprise. We are never promised a trouble-free life. In fact, Jesus states the opposite in John 16:33. He warns us so that we won't be expecting a smooth path along this life's journey. However, in the midst of trials and sorrows, you and I can still have peace in Christ. Trusting in Christ doesn't ward off evil and suffering but trusting in Christ gives us hope, peace, and life everlasting. Thankfully, we are promised that Christ is always with us. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. We are never alone no matter what trials we are going through. “As sure as God puts His children in the furnace, He will be in the furnace with them.” (Charles Spurgeon) God's presence gives us peace and comfort. God may not remove our pain and sufferings but He will carry us through them. The Holy Spirit/the Comforter dwells in us, giving us the grace and strength to endure. 

Let us rest in this beautiful encouragement and promise! Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, He overcame the world. In His life, He overcame the temptation to sin. In His death, He overcame the power of sin. In His Resurrection, He overcame death and the enemy. He makes us overcomers like Him. "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:4-5) "I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) We, Christ's followers, are to live fearless & victorious lives because we are more than conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ. The battle belongs to the Lord and the victory is already won; therefore, no matter what trouble comes our way, we can have peace within (provided by Yahweh Shalom Himself). In Christ, we are victors, not victims. Jesus tells us to take heart/have confidence & courage as we place our trust in Him. The world gives us troubles but He gives us peace. He gives us an inner tranquility which enables us to say, "It is well with my soul" no matter what happens to us. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your precious promise of peace in this troubled world! Please strengthen my faith and embolden my heart. May I hide and rest in You always so that my peace may never be disturbed, even in the fiercest storms of life!

"God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised, sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God has not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He has not told us, we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God has not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.

But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love!"
(Annie Flint)