August 26: Are You Ever Disturbed?

One of the hardest things to describe to someone who doesn't know Jesus, is how I can be grieving over a loss, even to the point of weeping, and yet feel great joy. The concept that joy and sadness can walk hand in hand is incomprehensible to them. From now on, the phrase "reflected peace" is definitely going to be what I use to describe this paradox of the Christian's life. It's actually a simple concept. Even if our pain is caused by our self-conscious perspective rather than a higher Christ-conscious one, it is shrouded in His reflected radiance when we choose to look into the face of Jesus.

I couldn't help but laugh when Chambers states, "But if you try to worry it out, you obliterate Him and deserve all you get." Although I come from a line of champion worriers, long ago I learned the wisdom of that statement. Worry just takes too much out of a person!

Of all the things Christ could have chosen to leave with His disciples before He was taken from them, He chose the bequest of peace:

John 14:27 "I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left--feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught."

John 16:33 "I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
The Message

Jesus, please teach us all we can learn about peace. There is nothing that will be a greater beacon to the multitudes of people who don't know You. Let us live in such a way that others will become ravenously hungry to taste the peace we know.