Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
A thought from “Grace Brings Peace Forever” is that in this world there will be trouble, but we can take heart because there is comfort and value in Christ’s sufferings. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the Cross, access God’s power through prayer, and follow the Way from instructions found in His word.
Like in the song Every Good Thing – The Afters, there is a Way to peace and joy. Make the poem below, your declaration as you step ahead this day.
My faith in Jesus Takes away my worry For my soul is healed And I can tell my story Of the goodness of the Father Who in His grace provides Access to the Holy Spirit Who always guides
This photo of Lake Hamilton was taken near Hot Springs Arkansas. Settlement began in this area when people gathered to enjoy the healing properties of the thermal springs. This day with God, we gather to enjoy the healing power of grace that fills our soul and makes us whole.
Because of Jesus, we receive grace that brings healing for our soul now and forever. Jesus explains His relationship with the Father in John 16:25-33. The disciples have a relationship with the Father too because they have loved Jesus and believed (v, 27). Jesus came from the Father and entered into the world (v. 28).
Jesus is the key to peace with endless possibilities with Him in our lives. There is harmony because we are one in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is with us because we believe in Jesus, and step by step follow the prompting of the Spirit. There is goodwill between people, there is calmness under stress, we can conquer worry, and there is peace forever!
Worry affects our health in a bad way but there is no need for worry because God has every good thing in store for us. In this world there will be trouble but we can take heart because there is comfort. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the Cross, access God’s power through prayer, and follow the Way from instructions found in the Word of God.
This day, we are filled with hope, with joy, and with peace because of Jesus who gives access to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we get worn out, anxious, and exhausted. Then we seek You Father God for renewal of our soul. You care for us, and our souls are healed. There is less worry, less anger … but more good things like peace in our soul and joy in our heart. We have access to the Holy Spirit to guide us for the rest of the day and for every tomorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
A thought after reading 1 Kings 21 is the idea that some slight distress can have larger positive effects in the future. Think about how every achievement had backing from others either a teacher, a parent, or mentor that influenced the person toward the attainment.
We don’t have to follow those that are leading us down the wrong path. By following God’s plan for us, we can surrender all to fulfill our call. We then become approved by God and there is purpose in our life. We can have joy in life even when things don’t work out for worldly success.
A boy was having trouble with his low grades in Math. His parents were not Christian but they had friends that were who suggested they try enrolling their son in a private Christian school. His grades went up sharply. When asked about it, the boy said that he knew the school meant business when he saw the man nailed to the plus sign. [1]
A thought from “Valley of the Shadow of Death” is that when adding up all mixed emotions from despair to joy, we can solve all problems with Jesus. The answer to any problem has Jesus as the common denominator. Ask for God’s help in prayer because He can take a temporary problem and find a solution that brings great joy.
Three nails + a cross = forgiveness
Join in on the praise with the song This Is The Stuff – Francesca Battistelli. The stuff of life sometimes put us in a low place but if we hang on, we can be lifted up from a valley to climb higher using prayer to scale spiritual summits.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
We face struggle in life from deep valleys of financial issues, health matters, or loss of a loved one but we can overcome. From the valley, we can climb higher using prayer to scale spiritual summits. By praying in the name of Jesus, we can pray with confidence because Jesus has entered in with grace, so we never fall to the bottom again. Our reaction to difficult times should be to accept the help which is the power of the Holy Spirit to get through the time and to look forward to the reward on the other side.
Reading John 16:12-24, there are three aspects of the Spirit’s work with the believer. One is that the Spirit guides into all the Truth. He will communicate Truth from the Father because there is a relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit. The second aspect is provision. A believer can ask for help in Jesus’ name through prayer to carry out God’s work. The third aspect is encouragement to turn the tide. Grief will turn to joy (v. 20) so hang on.
Yes, life can be like a roller coaster ride. There are deep low points and then a climb to a high point only to go downhill again with twist and turns. So we are to buckle up, and stay encouraged that the scary ride will lead to great joy in the end.
In the passage today, the feeling of a woman giving birth is compared to what the disciples will feel. There will be pain and anguish when Jesus leaves them, but great joy afterwards. Think about the birth of Jesus. It was a difficult experience with no nurses, medical technicians, epidurals, or monitors. The humble birth in the stable led to great joy because it set in motion a new kingdom to come with the King of all kings in charge.
When adding up all mixed emotions from despair to joy, let us solve all problems with Jesus. The answer to any problem has Jesus as the common denominator. Ask for God’s help in prayer because He can take a temporary defeat and turn it into a major victory with great joy.
This day with You God, we can climb higher. There is recovery from the valleys of this broken world to new heights. The birth of eternity was a traumatic experience and many things in life are filled with strive, struggle, and danger. We are thankful that You have the answer to our problems as grace enters into the equation so we can reach spiritual summits never reached before. We pray in Jesus’ name with confidence because the Holy Spirit will guide, You will provide, and there will be a change in tide. Amen.
