Soul-Satisfying Peace

What a remarkable feeling! It’s Friday. In the life of a pastor, it’s his Saturday. It’s the day Reen and I choose as our “day off,” our day of rest. 

I sit quietly, after reading my Bible and talking with God, contemplating this amazing “free” day. Peace sweeps over me as I let it sink in that I don’t have to do anything today. Or I can do anything I want to do today. I am free.

The demands, schedules, appointments and concerns of every other day dissolve away. I listen to the hum of rain on the windows, further insisting that I choose not to work, but instead relax in the freedom that is mine.

I write in my journal, “True freedom brings peace.” I sit and think about that while continuing to enjoy a sense of soul-infusing, body-sweeping, mind-releasing peace…a peace that surpasses all understanding.  Jesus says, “I have come that you might have peace.” Freedom results in this peace. Jesus explained this freedom to the religious leaders.

“ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)

So many fighting in our world today to capture freedom, think that freedom is seized through violence and somehow through this violence they will find peace.

There is only One who gives peace. It’s a peace found only when you turn from doing life your way (which is actually rebellion against your Creator’s plan and purpose for your life) and choose to do life God’s way.  You cast your cares completely on God through faith in Jesus His Son, believing He paid the penalty for your rebellion… then in Him, you will find freedom and His gift of peace. You will discover a peace beyond anything your heart imagined and greater than anything you can understand. Join me, won’t you? Find peace in His freedom today!