Divine Peace

Divine Peace
Have you ever been on a lake during a storm? I have, and it is a terrifying experience. As the winds and waves raged, the boat was tossed around like a toy while the rain came down in sheets as lightning and thunder filled the sky. However, at the same time not far under the surface, where the storm had no effect, all was calm and quiet. That is what the peace of Jesus is like. It’s not an absence of life’s storms, conflicts, or troubles but a deep calmness in the midst of those circumstances. Just before Jesus’ death, He comforted His disciples with these calming words from this well know passage from John’s Gospel. He wasn’t saying that their circumstances would be tranquil and serene. But to the contrary, they were about to go through some tremendous storms and trials, but Jesus’ peace would provide the calming strength to sustain them through all they would face.
Jesus offers us the very same peace; however, we must choose it. Friends, all of us will experience inner doubts, worry, and turmoil during distressing situations, yet as believers, we don’t have to cling to those feelings. Instead, we can choose to accept Jesus’ offer of divine peace which passes all understanding. If we want that peace, we must develop a more personable relationship with Him. The more personally we know Him, trust Him, and obey Him, the greater our peace becomes. After telling His disciples not to be troubled, Jesus then said, “Believe in God, believe also in Me.” If we have faith in His unconditional love, we know that He has control of our every situation, and we know that all things work out for our good. I pray that you will surrender every fear and anxiety to Jesus today and I pray that you will allow Him to guard your hearts and minds with His divine peace.
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg+

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