THE SEVENTEENTH DAY OF JULY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN.
Guest Writer
Sara Faye Fudge
Sara Faye writes a devo-newsletter called “Love-Notes” for the women’s Bible study group at our home congregation in Houston. The following was in the issue for last week. When she read it aloud to me, I told her I needed to have that for a gracEmail. After some modest demurral, she consented, and we are in her debt. — Edward.
As [Jeff Christian, our preacher] is leading us into deeper appreciation of the gift of peace, I find that the word seems to pop up quite often on my FB feed, in devotional readings, and even in cards for other occasions. Today I was reminded of Jesus’ parting words to his little ragtag bunch of bewildered followers: “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).
The striking part of this to me is the contrast Jesus draws between the peace of the world and his peace. Our world is in the throes of unrest, social and political, and the violence of bombings and murders disrupt the quiet. We cry out for an end to this, but Jesus reminds us that his peace will not always look like what we want it to.
We can soar with wings of eagles, experiencing a transcendent peace within our souls, even in the midst of turmoil, when we remember that Jesus’ promised comforter, the very Spirit of God, dwells within us and whispers “peace, peace, within.” And that enables us to live joyful lives, without fear or anxiety. We are his beloved and he will sustain us through whatever this world throws at us. A promise to live by!
