Peace - It Is Well With My Soul

John 14:27 (NKJV)  ²⁷ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

There are days when I simply cannot find the peace that Jesus left to us. My heart remains troubled by the disturbing events in the world and challenges of everyday life. Sometimes I think I just need to let things be, stop cogitating over every detail, close my eyes on the world and give my heart a rest.  

What is the secret to finding the kind of peace that Jesus possessed and also promised to us? The kind of peace where he slept in the boat during the storm while his disciples panicked. The kind of peace he maintained as people demanded his attention, tugging anxiously on his robe seeking his healing powers. The kind of peace that comes only with true faith in God.

Does Jesus simply leave us with peace, or is it something that we proactively need to seek out?  I think the answer is both.  In the Psalms of David he writes:

Psalm 34:14 (NKJV) Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

As hard as we try to control our lives, it is often unpredictable and learning to stay at peace in the midst of chaos and tragedy is a true test of our faith in God. For it is during the times of uncertainty and difficulty when God is able to teach us and grow us as Christians. These are teachable moments if we embrace them as such God will walk us through each situation filled with his peace.  

If you want peace in your life, you must first seek it and then receive it from God. It is truly a choice we make every minute of every day. People and circumstances can take away our material possessions and loved ones, but no one on earth can take away our inner peace, unless we freely give it up. 

John 16:33 (NKJV) ³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will^[ have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

This is not easy to accomplish and requires a conscience and committed effort, diligence, prayer and faith. What better pursuit is there than to seek and find the peace Jesus leaves with us? 

There is an excellent book called, “Calming the Storm Within: How to Find Peace in This Chaotic World” by Jim Lange.  It is a wonderful book that I highly recommend. 

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

I leave you with this lovely hymn written by Horatio Spafford who faced tremendous loss and tradgedy  but managed to stay in peace. This hymn was brought to my attention in the book I referenced above, but I want to share it with you here. Also, please give up ten minutes of TV time and watch this video on youtube about Horatio Spafford. You won’t be disappointed.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy1bd0EfiNM 

It Is Well With My Soul - by Horatio Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
(refrain)

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(refrain)

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.