“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you—not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
Since it comes from Him, the world can’t give it to us; neither can it take it away. . . unless we let it.
His Incomparable Peace.
Picture, if you will, yourself sitting up high in the mountains in a fragrant, flower-laden field, overlooking a beautiful valley below. The cool breeze is caressing your face, tossing your hair back and forth as you gaze out over that scenic view.
Or, imagine you’re sitting in the shadow of a towering palm tree on the seashore. . .the tide ebbing-and-flowing underneath your feet. . .the sea-breezes gently soothing your furrowed brow . . .as you watch a seagull overhead, soaring effortlessly upon the current. . .and you listen to the rhythmic sound of the surf pounding against nearby rocks as the sun peeks over the horizon or melts into the sea at end of day.
Sound inviting?
Hopefully so.
But, none of the above scenarios can compare to the inward tranquility of mind, soul and body being offered by the Lord Jesus in today’s Manna. Assuredly, those serene settings are conducive for relaxing and a releasing of tension. And, they have a way of helping us “let go and let God” as we enjoy the beauty of His creation.
Yet, few of us have the luxury of visiting such places. And, even if we do, our time there is limited at best and usually quite expensive.
That’s why we must remember what the Lord Jesus was/is talking about in this beautiful verse from John’s Gospel:
He was talking about Himself.
His Presence.
Not memory verses or Bible doctrines. Not positive thinking or motivational skills.
No, just His Immanuel Presence.
His never-ending. . .never-changing. . .always-there. . .“closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24b). . . “very Present Help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1b). . . “I’ll never leave you or forsake you” (Heb. 13:5b) Presence.
Why don’t you close your eyes right now, Pilgrim, and feel His Presence? Be still and listen. What do you hear? The clock ticking? Birds singing? Your own breathing? Or, did you feel Someone brush up against you and whisper in your ear, “I love you”?
Hope so—for He’s right there with you right now. Why not pour out your heart to Him right now. Tell Him everything that’s on your mind. That heartache. That burden. That hidden sin that nobody (but Him) knows. That fear that robs you of your sleep. Go ahead. Tell Him; then, release it to Him and enjoy His one-of-a-kind Peace/Presence. Beautiful.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated July 20, 2009
