August 16

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” John 14:27  (AMPC)

The world can entice us with all it has to offer—some offers are good and valuable, and others, not so much! But the heart of your Beloved Jesus is both glorious and good, and here is what He offers that is completely steadfast and without fail, “I am giving you something the world cannot give you, as the world does not have it to give. I am giving you peace, My peace, whose Source originates outside of this world but has the power to change everything in your world, if you let it. It comes from Me and contains the substance of Who I am, with the confidence of all I know. And this is what I know—you are in the palm of My hand and so is everything that matters to you. Only trust, cherished child, nestle in near, and obey. This, joy of My heart, is the best possible way.” 

Dearest one, you don’t have to surrender to your fear or let it push you into places you were never meant to go. Peace is with you always, in the midst of the challenges of life. In the doubt and despair, in the loneliest of days when you are sure no one is there, be confident in Jesus, and His abiding presence, for He most certainly is with you--always! His is the voice that calms the raging seas—the comfort and care that strengthens your shaky knees! Slip your hand in His. Look away from the stirred-up wind and waves, even for a moment if you can, and look deeply into the eyes of pure, sweet, love. 

Oh, beloved one, don’t let your heart be troubled, or lose your confidence in His unending grace. He has you, your heart, and all that is within. So very valuable and precious to Him. Held safely in the grip of his unending grace.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You that You have promised us the gift of peace—Your peace, for You are the Prince of Peace. Forgive me for all the times I have held on to anxiety, worry, and fear, instead of turning to You, sharing my hearts and my concerns, and receiving instead all that You offer—kindness and compassion, peace and joy—the change to be totally and completely free.

I need Your help, Lord, and I know You know this—I need Your help even to receive this gift of grace, and to believe. Not because You are not worthy to be believed, because every word You say is true, but because sometimes I let other things become bigger in my life than You.

Help me not to yield to fear, but to put my hand in Yours, and to follow You.

In Your majestic and holy Name, I pray.