God Has Promised Peace To Those Who Fix Their Thoughts On Him

Experiencing Peace

“And within the hour, they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There, they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then, the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road and how they had recognized Him as He was breaking the bread. And just as they were talking about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” He said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost” Luke 24:33-37 (NLT).

“That Sunday evening, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” He said. As He spoke, He showed them the wounds in His hands and His side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again, He said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you” John 20:19-21 (NLT). 

Setting the Scene

The disciples, still confused and afraid, were gathered “behind locked doors.” They probably were discussing the reports of the women, Peter and John, and Mary’s claim that she had seen Jesus. More news arrived with the two men from Emmaus, who breathlessly told the rest of the group they had met Jesus on the road and had spent the day with Him.

Luke wrote that this was when Jesus made His first appearance to His gathered disciples (although Thomas was missing from the group). Suddenly, Jesus stood among them. His first words to His group of followers and disciples, all of whom had deserted Him in His time of greatest need, were, “Peace be with you.” This was a standard Hebrew greeting, but Jesus repeated it for emphasis and with profound meaning: Jesus’ presence brought deep and lasting Peace to their troubled hearts. 

Getting Personal

At what times in life have you felt that your life was in chaos? 

What recent events and concerns threaten to steal your Peace of mind and heart? 

Isaiah wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT). How can you access that Peace today?  

Imagine the chaos of Jerusalem during those recent days—Passover pilgrims, an angry mob, soldiers, crucifixions, darkness at noon, earthquake, and disillusioned and terrified followers of Jesus huddled in fear. But Jesus came and brought Peace. Jesus had told His disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NLT).

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He brought Peace with God. And through His presence by the Holy Spirit, He brings the Peace of God—the confident assurance that all is well because He is in control and because He loves us and is with us (Romans 8:1-39 NLT).

Talking to God

God has promised Peace to those who fix their thoughts on Him. Prayer focuses on the Lord and who He is. As you focus on Him today, reaffirm your trust in Him and ask for the blessing of His Peace, which comes from being in His presence.

God Has Promised Peace To Those Who Fix Their Thoughts On Him

Veerman, D. R.  (2011-08-25). Life Application Study Bible Devotional.