PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 19:41-44
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“If you had only known on this day what would bring you peace…” (Luke 19:42)
Experiencing peace in our world is not something everyone has.
If we’ve experienced peace in this world, we’re very fortunate.
People through the ages have experienced what Jesus describes here.
Not just those without God, but everyone, even those who trust God.
How do we find peace in this world; it is not an external peace.
Peace comes from knowing Jesus, what he has done and will do for us.
This is not world peace but inner peace that death can’t take from us.
It endures even when the enemy encircles, hems and dashes (vv.43-44).
It knows that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God in Jesus.
I am thankful for the times of relative peace in our world.
But don’t be surprised when when experiences rob us of peace.
Am I personally experiencing peace right now… if not, why not?
Take time to figure out what really gives you peace.
Take time with Jesus and let him remind you what brings you peace.
PRAYER
Lord, when things are good I forget what gives me peace. When things go wrong I struggle to find it. Help me to take time to pay attention to whate really brings me peace.
Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He came and I opened the door. But many do not – like Jerusalem many did not know what was coming: “because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Lord help me discern the times and the ways that the weeds are trying to choke me – restrict my productivity in your kingdom (as per the parable of the weeds). Keep my eyes open and help me to stay focused on the way of the kingdom!
In times like today, there are wars, floods, fires, times of uncertanity, times that people do not fear God, times when each one is doing what is right in their own eyes for peace is hidden from their eyes. When one puts their trust in things of this world there can not be lasting peace. Only when we put our trust in the Lord, live in His Word – living for Jesus – can we/I have peace knowing that in all things He continues to take care of me. Serve Him.
1 Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
Refrain:
Peace, peace! wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.
2 What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll. [Refrain]
3 I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control,
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul. [Refrain]
4 And me thinks when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom shall be: [Refrain]
5 Ah! soul, are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark
O accept this sweet peace so sublime! [Refrain]