Peace and Joy

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” John 14:27 NKJV

Jesus came so that we may have peace while here on this earth. It is amazing how quickly we are willing to give it up!

Circumstances, people and our day-to-day lives will rob us of both peace and joy if we allow it. Peace and joy are two of the most valuable things we can posses, yet so carelessly we often allow people, obligations and our own shortcomings to overshadow what Christ has already done for us.

The key to keeping peace and joy (longer than the fifteen minutes after church service) lies in the ability to tune out distractions. Our society is so plugged in that there is little quiet time allocated to be still and reflect. You have to fight for the time to spend with yourself and with God that allows you to truly have “a peace that passes understanding.” (ref. Philippians 4:7)

We spend so much time working to obtain things that don’t really matter in the long haul that if only we put those efforts into keeping what has already been freely given to us, we could truly enjoy the fullness of God’s love for us.

Happiness is based on circumstances and our reaction to the environment or other people. We often work, configure and cajole others into doing those things that make us happy and feel good. Happiness requires that whatever is going on around us is pleasing. Happiness is transient and dependent on other people who have the same failings and weaknesses as ourselves.

Joy comes from God and flows out from within. Joy allows for true contentment no matter what is going on around us. Joy is not dictated by other people. As such, other people can’t rob us of joy. We may sadly give it away, but they can’t take it!

Happiness is fleeting. True joy is not as easily shaken!

Allow your spirit to rejoice in the Lord, overriding what you see and feel because you are, instead, moved by what you know…. God is good and He loves you, everything else is secondary!

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,“ Psalm 30:5. No matter what you may be facing, it is possible to receive God’s joy. Christ was able to endure the crucifixion for the joy that lay beyond the experience. God does no less for us!

Peace and joy are available if we receive them.

As with any gift, they must be accepted to be enjoyed. The price has already been paid. There is nothing you could ever purchase or acquire that can bring such contentment. All you have to do is believe and receive the enduring love, peace, and joy God makes available to you!

We readily believe in the power of our God to save us, yet often don’t place ourselves in the correct state mentally, spiritually and even physically to receive the fullness of His love daily.

God’s love and the peace and joy that flows from Him fuels us and allows us to share our true selves with others. In doing this, we not only multiply the love we receive, we also magnify our Father and offer ourselves as vessels through which He can work. Now, how cool is that?

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“If  you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:10-11 NKJV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

29 comments

      2. I can’t say I’ve come through but as you know when you lose your mother your mind and emotions are everywhere. Her dog is lying on the floor next to me as I type this. I’m hovering around acceptance and trying to make peace with it all. I can’t really say I’m there yet but I know I’m still blessed.

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  6. Receiving God’s peace is a lifestyle that I am working at perfecting. It is hard to remember these truths during hard times. I am learning to be grateful for those trials that teach me to rest in the peace and joy that Christ promised. He is great and mighty!

    Thank you for sharing!

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    1. You are very welcome and thanks so much for stopping by. It is hard during trying times to hold to peace and joy but I have found that when I am able to do this, often my “situation” will resolve itself because it no longer has any power over me.

      It took a loooong time to get to that point and I still need a reminder from time to time 🙂 B Blessed!

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    1. Thanks Steve!

      That is one of the few on my blog that is not from my own yard. I took that on a “date” with the hubby at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago. 🙂

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  8. Peace and joy to you too my friend. After what has been a somewhat difficult time your beautiful message here today reaffirms all that I have been seeking. Thank you so much 😀

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  9. Love this Lilka! Worldly happiness is so insignificant when compared to the inner joy we receive with Christ in us. You can lose happiness within the minute that your circumstances change or you hear bad news but you can’t lose joy when it’s found in the One who is in control over all of our circumstances. With Him we have a reason to smile and look forward to our future even when our present seems dark and hopeless!

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  13. Wow! Your posts always speaks to me Lilka. This particular one- about placing ourselves spiritually and mental state to receive the fullness of Joy and His Love daily – lightbulb moment!! 🙂 thank you 🙂

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