Peace

As a young child, a group of singing teenagers came to our small church in Upstate New York. They were from Hamilton, Ohio and they certainly could sing. There is one song in particular that has stuck with me through the years. A brother and sister sang the tune a cappella and it was almost a like a round.

 

They lyrics to the chorus go like this.

 

“I’ve got a peace in my heart that the world never gave me

and a peace it cannot take away.

An everlasting peace and I know that it’s here to stay.”

 

While one sang this bit, the other sang, “Peace in my heart. Peace in my heart” over and over. It really was quite good. And I can sing this part of the song to this day. I don’t remember the rest of it though.

 

And I cannot seem to find this bit of music. My internet search has led me to some wonderful songs about peace. Some of my favorites actually. But not to this particular one.

 

There is an old hymn that has very similar words and I’m wondering if this little tune isn’t adapted from the hymn. The hymn is titled, “Constantly Abiding” by Anne S. Murphy and she wrote it in 1908.

 

I love the connection between the two. Peace and abiding. Without the abiding of God’s Spirit within us, I’m certain there would be no peace. Without Jesus’ assuring words in Matthew 28:20b (NIV), “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” I know without a doubt peace would be absent.

 

There is a connection. When we allow Jesus to rule our hearts, His peace joins Him. Let’s recall some of Jesus’ words as He spoke of peace. I pray that these verses will bring peace to your heart today.

 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 – NIV)

 

In John 14:27 (NIV), Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 – NIV)

 

Some of the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples were, “Again, Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’” (John 20:21 – NIV)

 

And the wonderful prophecy spoken by Isaiah calls Jesus the Prince of Peace. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 – NIV)

 

I also believe there must be constant abiding for us to be recipients of this peace. Abiding in God’s Word, in His presence, in fellowship with other believers, and in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. The more we abide with God, the deeper our peace becomes.

 

Now I might add, we should be constantly abiding in God’s grace ourselves, but we miss that mark. So let’s just make that a goal. To be constantly abiding in God’s presence. Oh, won’t that make the ol’ devil mad.

 

Jesus mentioned in John 15 that we are to remain in Him. If you read my blog post several days ago, I mentioned in this short 17 verses, Jesus called us to remain in Him eleven times. He knew the importance of constantly abiding, but more importantly, He wanted us to know the importance of constantly abiding.

 

Your day may bring some unpeaceable moments. It’s during those times that we can rely on Jesus to be Prince of Peace. To let His peace carry us through the periods of turmoil. When we have Jesus’ peace in our hearts, nothing can bother us. Nothing can shake us. Nothing.

 

So today I call for peace. Not peace in the world, that isn’t going to happen. But peace in our hearts. Know that Jesus is abiding there. Know that He has conquered the world and there is no reason for us to fear. Know that His peace resides in your heart.

 

There’s a peace in my heart and I know that it’s here to stay!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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