Peace be with you...

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
~ Luke 24:36
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Discovering real peace in the world today can be somewhat challenging. Jesus' words for us to have peace is both a very human and Divine gesture, meant to be more than words.

​The more we trust in God, the more we can begin to understand these words. Our need to love one another, to serve one another, and embracing the idea that we are to respect one another, especially our neighbors, suddenly allows for the peace that Jesus is speaking of.

Among the words from David in Psalm 23 is that the shepherd, "prepares a table in the presence of my enemies." (Psalm 23:5)

Peace doesn't always focus on those who you are clearly at odds with. There are times when the desire for peace comes when you simply want someone to see an issue from your perspective, or think about something that has been said, or to recognize your effort.

It's easy to let the times when our feelings get hurt to overcome the ability to discover the peace that God desires for us. I can't begin to number the nights I have been awake in bed, staring at the ceiling, sleepless, because I couldn't seem to discover the peace of mind I needed to drift off to sleep once again.

Years ago I had a t-shirt that said, "No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace."

​The temptation we face each day is to let peace escape us. When we find our temper rising, become angry, or simply can't let something go. It's in these moments we really need to find a way to stop where we are, and listen intently for these words that Jesus shared, "Peace be with you."

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017