(The following is the June 19 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Romans 5 and pay close attention to verses 1-2.)
Perhaps you have seen Christian-themed products that say, “Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus, No Peace.” The statement emphasizes that we can experience peace through Christ that cannot come through any other means. On the contrary, we cannot have his peace if we do not know Christ.
Christians have peace with God, which brings the peace of God. Paul wrote, “Since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 1). What a tremendous promise, assurance, and reality now and for eternity for all who are declared righteous by God through faith. We, once enemies of God in our sinful state, are now at peace with him. Because of this peace with God, we also have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
We can’t manufacture this peace through our actions, wishful thinking, meditation, or avoiding confrontations. This peace doesn’t come from solitude. It isn’t due to holding sound doctrines or being active in the church. It only comes through knowing Jesus Christ.
If we know this peace through Christ, what can ever happen to remove it from us? What opposition from any temporary threat in this mortal life can overcome the confident assurance we have in Christ, who declared us righteous in his sight forever? Nothing can shake the solid ground on which we stand in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We will face difficult days and seasons and suffer many trials, but we won’t face them alone or confront them with our limited strength and wisdom. As new creations in Christ, we have his Spirit and peace within us to endure whatever we face in ways that glorify him.
Next Step:
When have you experienced God’s peace in difficult circumstances? Praise him for his peace and presence in your life. Pray that your example attracts others to Jesus.
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