Peace is at the heart of the Gospel and at the heart of human need.

Jesus, of course, knew the needs of human beings and the power of the Gospel. He promised His disciples: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful” (John 14:27). Jesus purposed to give His disciples exactly what they need: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).

Why is it that many believers have troubled and fearful hearts? Why is it that we do not have peace?

Let’s look again at the basics of peace.

First, peace comes when we abandon ourselves to God. This is the acknowledgement that we need God for life and that we can never have life without God. Jesus came to give us peace in this life and peace with God.

Last week, I had the privilege to hear the testimony of a new believer. He spoke about repenting of his sin and abandoning himself to God. He then talked about how God has removed the anger and fear from his life. Peace with God (abandoning our lives to Him) leads to peace with others.

Second, peace comes when we make peace with the people around us. When we are abandoned to God, we can begin to repair the relationships around us. Some of this will come naturally as we live in goodness and kindness toward others. Other repaired relationships will come when we go out of our way seeking to ask forgiveness and have a new beginning.

Third, peace comes by abandoning each day to God. Many believers leave out this important step. How do we abandon each day to God? Begin by acknowledging your need to God. Ask Him to bestow His peace. Ask Him to exchange what you can do for what He can do.

May you have a day and week of peace.

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