Peace in the midst
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27 NRSV
I recall a time, early in my ministry, preaching a sermon that truly agitated one of the deacons of my church. He stopped me at the door after the service and demanded to know where I had found the scripture I had used that morning.
“The text was written in the bulletin with the reference,” I pointed out, a little surprised by his comment and accompanying red face.
“How come you keep preaching things I’ve never read in my Bible?” he demanded as he stormed out of church.
I had several smart remarks to make, but he was already gone — probably for the best.
It is a false notion that if we live as Christ commands, we will always have a life of peace. When Christ promises his peace, it is the peace in our heart. It is the peace that comes from a true sense of purpose and direction. When we truly follow Christ, we will have peace in the midst of the storm.
Prayer: Father, I pray for your peace. But more than that, I pray to follow your will.
The reverend Dr. Michael Sanders has books of devotions available locally at Kens Village Market in Indian River, Michigan. To purchase as gifts to mail, contact Kathy at Tccsec2013@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Peace in the midst
