Peace I Give You

Readings: Joel 2:28-32, John 14:23-31

Peace be with you.

Words we exchange during church services pretty much no matter what denomination. 

But do we really mean it?

Peace is a beautiful gift; it is quiet in the storms of everyday life--the much needed breath of fresh air that helps the tension leave our bodies--the ease we feel after the pressure of being pushed in directions we don't want or need to go.

Jesus, in John 14, offered us words of peace: "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" (v. 27). We can carry that peace with us at all times--it is a gift that has been given freely to us. We are given permission not to be troubled and not to be afraid. 

Yet we are.

The words in Joel 28 reassure us once again with the gift of peace we are offered: "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said..." (v.32). 

Perhaps, during these very holiest of days, we take the time to truly accept and understand the enormity of the gift that we've been given. A beautiful, beautiful life was sacrificed for us in order for us to have true peace in our lives and throughout eternity. No greater gift will we ever have.

Truly...peace be with you.