"Peace be to you." (Luke 24:36, NISB)
"Peace I leave you; My peace I give you; not as the world give do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)
When was the last time you felt at peace? It seems to be one ot those things that the harder we seek after it or the tighter we try to hold on to it the less peace we have. If this is the case what are we to do?
Christ teaches about peace, not to worry, not to fear. Paul tells us that peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit. So what does it mean if we don't feel it? What if instead we feel anxious, worried, depressed, angry, or afraid? Does that make us "bad" people?
Jesus tells us the story of the sower and explains:
"And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Matthew 13:22)
The indwelling of Holy Spirit provides us with His fruit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindess, Gentlenss, and Self-control. As Christians we always have access to this fruit whether we are feeling it at present or not. The adversary, Satan, tempts us to shift our focus from what God promises to provide and onto what we think we can or should provide for ourselves.
"And as you go, preach, saying 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" (Matthew 10:7)
"And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)
It is for our good that Christ wants us to know and focus on the things of God and His kingdom. Christ gives us the path, the key to healing and peace.
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your
sins." (Matthew 6:9-15)
This key is a part of Christ's gift to us. He wants us to be free, joyful, loved, and at peace. If you feel there is a need, I would love to be of help to you on your journey.
Peace & Blessings,
Jennifer Young, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Christ teaches about peace, not to worry, not to fear. Paul tells us that peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit. So what does it mean if we don't feel it? What if instead we feel anxious, worried, depressed, angry, or afraid? Does that make us "bad" people?
Jesus tells us the story of the sower and explains:
"And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Matthew 13:22)
The indwelling of Holy Spirit provides us with His fruit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindess, Gentlenss, and Self-control. As Christians we always have access to this fruit whether we are feeling it at present or not. The adversary, Satan, tempts us to shift our focus from what God promises to provide and onto what we think we can or should provide for ourselves.
"And as you go, preach, saying 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" (Matthew 10:7)
"And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)
It is for our good that Christ wants us to know and focus on the things of God and His kingdom. Christ gives us the path, the key to healing and peace.
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your
sins." (Matthew 6:9-15)
This key is a part of Christ's gift to us. He wants us to be free, joyful, loved, and at peace. If you feel there is a need, I would love to be of help to you on your journey.
Peace & Blessings,
Jennifer Young, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
