Good morning,

Our devotion for today comes from John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful." 

Wherever you are today (Selah), think on this; "Do not let your heart be troubled" (John 14:27).  This almost seems like an impossible ideal, doesn't it? Many people read these words of Jesus and scoff, "Well, that was fine back then, but there is just no way to live free of anxiety today."

To those who would raise this objection, let me ask: Is Jesus surprised by your troubles?  Do you believe that your difficulties are beyond Jesus' understanding, or that He could not have imagined the stresses in your life?

The view that any of these are possible would certainly limit Jesus' sovereignty and infinite knowledge. You must remember that Jesus is not in some far off place called heaven, simply looking down on us and doing His best to understand our lives.  Instead, He stepped down from heaven and walked these streets with us.  He knows the troubles of this life because He faced them Himself; in fact, He faced more trouble than we could possibly imagine. (Hebrews 2:17-18)

Why, then, do we often fail to heed His call of peace, rest, and comfort? (Matthew 11:28-30) It is almost as though anxiety has become a close companion to many people, and the thought of surrendering it brings on even more stress.  However, if you want to become the growing, mature, joyous believer the Lord has called you to be, then you must lay down your burdens.  Anxiety, quite simply, is the enemy of the peace of God.  As long as we hold on to our problems, we cannot pick up the armfuls of peace that Christ so freely offers. 

Have a peaceful day!

Your brother in Christ,

J. H. Flakes, III