Peace with Joy and Thanksgiving

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

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

Back in the third century Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage wrote to his friend Donatus: "It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered, in the midst of it, a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy, which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians, and I am one of them."

Christ followers experience this kind of peace with joy, and when they do, others take notice of it—especially in times of trouble. Seldom, if ever, do you see peace in people of the world when they are despised, persecuted, and overcome by the world. But Paul said that is the testimony of those who name Christ as their Savior. 

We live in troubling times and in an incredibly bad world. Our anchor is not found in a false peace that it has to offer. Our peace is from the victorious Lord and it is vastly different [John 14:27]. 

We have victory in Jesus. An old hymn says, “Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever!” Let’s live in the light of that, shall we? Trust Christ. His victory is yours and that brings peace. And don’t forget the thanks!

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.  Colossians 3:15