John 20:19-23

Peace is the topic of the five verses in today's scripture lesson.  What does the word peace mean to you? There are so many ways peace, or lack of peace can influence living.  To some, peace means a time when loved ones are not in harms way; bullets aren't flying and wounding or killing the ones we care about.

My idea of the word peace has been wrong.  For so many years I equated peace with safety, comfort, lack of turmoil, having a sense of belonging. Now, at least for this season of life, I do not have these things.  I find myself seeking peace as I defined it for most of my life.  But, today I realize peace is something quite different.  As Swedish Lutheran theologian, Anders Nygren put it, "God's peace is a mighty fortress, in which we are well defended and safe against all hostile powers of destruction.  It is not we who are to protect peace, but rather it is peace which is to protect us."

Peace is often my state of mind.  When I am happy, contented, and I feel safe; peace surrounds me.  I am learning that peace isn't the absence of grief, but the ability to cope with it.  Peace is a gift from Jesus and it supplies strength and comfort when I most need it.

Read the text at Biblegateway by clicking here.