There have only been a few moments in my life when I have felt perfectly at peace. Moments of sweetness and beauty are so profound, they leave me feeling as though the veil between now and eternity is lifted for just a moment, long enough to breathe in before the exhale drops me back into the mundane.
We live in this in-between, in the “already but not yet” reality of Christ. We only receive a few precursors of perfect peace in our mortal bodies, when our desire for heaven is almost satisfied for a second. We crave heaven because it is what we were made for. We long for peace because our hearts are hard-wired for it.
In her novel Housekeeping, Marilynne Robinson describes longing for peace like this:
To crave and to have are as like as a thing and its shadow. For when does a berry break upon the tongue as sweetly as when one longs to taste it, and when is the taste refracted into so many hues and savors of ripeness and earth, and when do our senses know any thing so utterly as when we lack it? And here again is a foreshadowing—the world will be made whole.
Today’s passages give me similar moments of peace and pause. Colossians 1 and 1 Corinthians 15 are both banner moments in Paul’s writings. I can hardly read them without the very best kind of tears filling my eyes. These passages provoke the deepest, unfulfilled places in my heart. They remind me that I was made for a perfect eternity.
Our eternal peace with God will be better than anything we can ever imagine. We will put on, as Paul writes so hopefully, our incorruptible bodies—new and perfect versions of ourselves (1Corinthians 15:53). We will also be fully reconciled with God.
Theologians categorize the work of Christ into different buckets, one of which is Christ as our reconciler. Sin alienates us from God and it makes us strangers to His mercy. There is an uncrossable chasm between us. But when we know Jesus and believe in Him, He makes our peace with God. He binds us up into a covenant relationship, into perfect peace.
Jesus doesn’t offer that peace to us as a pretty gift wrapped in a bow; rather, He spent His breath and bones to purchase it for us, “making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20). And so because of His blood, we claim reconciliation as God’s people. We will be reunited with Him forever. Death is no longer an uncrossable chasm. Death has lost its sting, having been swallowed up in Christ’s victory on the cross (1Corinthians 15:54–55).
As those who have been raised with Christ, let us seek eternal things, not earthly things. One day He will appear again, and we will join Him in glory. But as we wait, let us rest in the peace of Christ today. Lord, hasten the day of your return.
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44 thoughts on "Jesus Secures Our Peace with God"
Father God I thank you for the many feelings of contentment I’ve been blessed to feel, also thanks for any peace that was sent for me as well. amen.
Lord you are good!
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help me Lord . . . to seek out ONLY things that are from && before you . thank you for this beautiful encouragement ! ✞ ッ
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Timely word. Really need a word of peace in these unforeseen times of my life where peace seems so far…
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I spent a good portion of my day catching up. I don’t like when I lose my consistency with SRT. I didn’t have my book because of fraud on my CC. Which made me think I’m way too attached to these workbooks! But, I’m caught up! So thankful.
Today I decided I needed to go to my sons house and start going through some of his things. I worked on the kitchen a different day and decided to go through his clothes today. I had peace. Thankful for some SRT girls praying for me. I was going along quite well and then I just started sobbing. This is so hard. So final. I miss my son. I miss his wit. Our laughter together. I know it’s just stuff, but it was his. I’m just getting over covid and I kept trying to smell his clothing. The scent was faint. I know that my sense of smell will come back, but it terrified me to not be able to capture Tanner’s scent. I have always had a fear of dying. I don’t want to miss out on living life. But losing my son has changed all that. I’m looking forward to sitting in God’s loving glow. His light. His love. Of hopefully seeing my son again.
Thank you Mercy and Rhonda! I too loved the comment about seeing a dolphin from Rhonda! I wish I had that experience once in a while :) also cool that you are feeding the homeless. Wow!
Peace is something that can seem so fleeting in my life. As someone who has struggled with anxiety all of my life, peace can seem hard to come by. I love that as I have grown up in Christ, I have had more moments of peace and less moments of anxiety. I long for the day when all I feel is peace. ❤️
@Kelli Carlson: life is hard and it seems that you’re having your plate so full. I am praying for your thyroid issues to be clear, weight gain/depression/fatigue to be removed. May joy, hope, peace, strength/energy will come to flood over you. It will be okay. God is able to restore your weary soul (Jeremiah 31:25) with His goodness, fresh mercies daily, and grant you your heart’s desires. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31). I commend you for being the first in your family being chosen and called by God, and you obeyed to follow Him. It is by choice, and I commend you, for no one pointed you to the way you should go, but you found it. Now that you are here, you are the salt and the light to shine in your family and your in-law family. Following Jesus will bring us a lot of mental burden, many competing voices telling us to give up (for the Word’s sake- we are just targets by association), persecution/hurtful comments from families. BUT hey Kelli, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Your Shepard leads you with His purpose and walks beside you with compassion (Psalm 23:1-4). May you find rest and new strength in this weary season, and you will soon soar up like a strong eagle. I firmly believe so! God bless you sister.
@Rhonda J.: I lift up Braydon and his little sister, and your son’s family in prayers today. May God protect the little children from hurtful relationships with parents (my heart always aches about this particular subject). And may God open the parents’ eyes, warn them /educate them/correct them through whatever channels God can get through to them, for them to come to a deeper understanding and take actions for new changes, that they may learn to cherish and nurture their children like little treasures with much love, grace and diligence. I pray for Braydon’s relationship with his parents to be improved by the Lord Himself. May Braydon’s parents be transformed to be a safe place for Braydon, the way God designed them to be. May any hurt, pain, struggles, and family issues between Braydon and his parents be completely removed, and the family will be blessed with love, peace and laughter. Much blessings to you Rhonda. Love the amazing glimpse of your day about manatees /dolphin jump that you shared!
Thank you Kelli Carlson, your words encouraged me.
Today’s He Reads Truth is so good! I encourage y’all to read it!
https://hereadstruth.com/2022/06/02/jesus-secures-our-peace-with-god-2/
Today’s He Reads Truth is so good! I encourage y’all to read it!
Good Morning She’s. I heard somewhere recently the “imperative” in a wacky & distorted world of brokenness & sadness to think of at least six beautiful things before you begin the day. Why six or why morning? It doesn’t matter. It’s all about the doing. Claiming peace & proximity to our BIG God in the smallest detail. Mine this morning: peonies in bloom; a brand of carmelita coffee; book I just finished; text last night from dear friend; planned trip to great (independent, not a chain) book shop; the decision to paint my own toenails (purple, yea!) tonight (instead of going to a salon). How about you? Let’s begin to find peace in the daily pleasures He provides so openly. Isn’t that heaven, available now, within reach, by the glory & goodness of God? Like the Marilynne Robinson excerpt Ms. Rainer quotes; May we see & taste & feel the future promise by today’s praise & thanksgiving. While we wait to celebrate the ultimate coming.
Experiencing peace in the here and now is something that I struggle mightily with. I wanted to cry when I read the words “We will be reconciled with God’ Yes. Yes. That is what I long for. The removal of a wall I can’t seem to scale on this side of eternity. Melanie calls it a chasm that cannot be crossed. To experience deep abiding peace in God’s presence now, today, is my most heartfelt desire. Though I’m not there yet…Today’s reading is a step forward.
Dear Kelli- thank you so much for speaking exactly how I often feel!! I so often want to just speak the name of Jesus, and the glory and excitement and joy I feel in the amazing gift that was given to us. And HOW can others NOT understand and talk about it, like they would exciting wordly things!? You described it perfectly, and that is how I’m feeling when with unbelieving family that will be with us next week. All we can do is pray and let the Lord lead us (all in His timing!) Prayers for you!!
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I read these Scriptures with tears, too, as Melanie here writes in her devotional. I long for a world where Jesus is physically next to me. It gets so hard fighting a spiritual battle without seeing the physical Jesus. I know I have His Spirit— but I know my eyes were made to see My God (in the absence of sin), not just feel Him or know Him through His Word.
Thank you for the prayers.
My mom mentioned to me about having my own space… But not in the way I wanted to hear. She talked about me moving out. She told me the room was promised to my sister, so she will likely move into it. We have already had this conversation about me moving out…so it gave me a lot of frustration.
I have previously confided in her that I had begged God to move out when I first moved back, but He told me to stay. It was very clear. Multiple confirmations. He basically said when it’s time to move, I will have direction. Currently, my confirmations from Him still say “stay”— so I feel much peace being here. I don’t fight Him on it like I did.
My mom knows this. So I am praying she remembers the conversation and gives her desires to God, instead of trying to force an alternative will upon me.
I am also not financially able to move. If the Lord wants to move me, I trust He will provide in that time.
So, I am praying once my parents’ room is sorted (they are painting, doing new carpets, getting new furniture, etc) my sister will move her stuff into the room upstairs and I will have our room to myself. I also am going to get the door fixed because it doesn’t lock or shut all the way.
All this, God willing.
So that’s where I’m at. Thank you Rae-Ann, it helps me to know there is a mom out there who is seeking God about their 30 year old daughter, too haha!! & Thank you Rebecca & Kelly and anyone else who prayed. It means a bunch.
And I will agree, LORD hasten the day of your return.
HEIDI, As I read this morning, I was also reminded of 2 Corinthians10:5 and taking every thought captive!
Just prior to Covid, I was inspired to ask my neighbor to make me a sign that says, “Peace comes to those who seek it.” My plan was to have her make smaller signs to attach below it where I could change Scriptures from time to time. I didn’t get that part completed, but I still love the main quote. Eternally grateful to Jesus and God for paying the price of my peace.
Thank you Jesus!
Heidi – love your final sentence here. Thank you! My mother in law has just received some potentially concerning health news, so thank you for your comments in your post
Heidi – love your final sentence here. Thank you! My mother in law has just received so a
Gratitude. Contentment. Peace. When I focus on one, the others are more likely to hitch a ride.
Wow so much encouragement in todays reading. I woke up feeling really tired. I am running later than usual for work but I know I need to make time to spend with God. I drew near to Him today, and these verses encouraged my soul. I am reminded that I am meant for so much more than this sluggish life. My body is failing me. I have thyroid issues causing me to gain weight, to feel tired and often depressed. I had a miscarriage back in November and another loss a few months ago. I am so tired that I am finding it difficult to work out and then feel guilt, but praise God for a new body that will be redeemed one day! May I not glorify this earthly body but seek and trust Him who can heal and provide for my needs. May I remember the peace and hope he gives me for eternity. I sat at dinner last night with family and I think out of that room, I am the only one who reads my Bible. Do they even own bibles? And I looked around at everyone smiling and enjoying the meal and suddenly I had this reminder of Christ’s return, which I often think of lately. I am wondering what their moment will be like with Jesus. Will they feel His peace or will they be afraid? My heart aches for my family. Dinner last night was with my husbands family but there is also my immediate family. I think I am the first Christian in my family. My prayers this morning is for God to help me build a family of my own that breaks the cycle of not seeking Gods face. I want conversations to be around God and not earthly things. I want people to talk more about God and it not be a taboo subject. I am off to my secular job this morning and the tears are flowing because I am so focused on eternity and Gods love that when I see others not also in this relationship, my heart breaks. I am not sure the balance between professionalism and sharing my faith, but I did give my boss a devotional from Hosanna Revival after a loss in her family. She said she devoured it. But also pray for my mom, because I tried to share the gospel with her and she wasn’t receiving it. She thinks good people go to heaven and doesn’t quite understand who Jesus is. I pray she reads the Bible I gave her decades ago. At least she still has it! Gosh my heart is broken this morning. Part of me wants to quit my job and do full time ministry but I feel that is the easy route to sharing my faith (for me). God has placed me where I am for a reason. I pray for boldness to share the gospel and to show Gods love for others so one day they too can know His peace.
Good morning She’s!
May the peace of God surpass all understanding…. I am so awful at quoting scripture :(
But may you have peace today! lol My favorite part of the morning after being in the Word with SRT is going on my morning bike ride and stopping at the dock on our canal and stretching and praising with worship music with the sun shining down on me. Occasionally I see manatees or the rare dolphin jump as they swim by!! It is my happy place. My serenity, my peace.
Today we make our weekly sandwiches for the homeless, but tomorrow I am excited for my husband and I to join the trip into town to hand them out! We will be doing this every Friday and I pray that I can be a blessing to those in need and actually develop some kind of relationship with someone in that kind of need. I can’t imagine being homeless and hungry. I have always felt a pull to do some serving ministry in this way, and to have my husband want to participate, I think will draw us even closer to God and each other. Prayers for God to use us as His hands and feet.
Also, our grandkids come to town next week. (Braydon is one of those that I have asked for prayers for, as he is in a hard situation starting his teen years with lots of hurt with a harsh relationship with his parents. So I pray I can have some encouraging conversations with him. And with his little sister (9) to talk to her about Jesus. The parents are non-believers and I just want to continue to show how Jesus can be represented in my life and actions and words. I have always been quiet in situations that arise and how they treat their son, I would like to be more vocal if Jesus is calling me to be?! It has always been a hard situation for me, but I know my grandson needs someone to stand up for him. Thank you for the prayers.
Love your comment Heidi!
Peace and Joy- R
Scripture links aren’t working again this morning. You’ve spoiled us by linking them in days past.
The words of Jesus as He talked of His peace being mine landed right in the barren place of my heart today. (John 14:17) He gave us His peace. This inner calm cannot be taken, it is mine. But oh how I give it away to the war in my mind. Lord, help me remember to bring this gift of peace with me, keep it close, and not give it away in trouble. “When the heart is at rest in Jesus, unseen, unheard from the world, the Spirit comes and softly fills the believing soul, quickening all, renewing all within.” (Robert Murray McCheyne). Yes and amen. To the trouble in this world that will surely come, even in the very next moment after praying and receiving the Spirit and peace, I will not give up. I am grateful for the blooming flowers outside my door, the freshly gound coffee in my press, the music streaming softly, oils diffusing, sanctuary in God, in this place surrounded by hard things. I hold these treasures close, knowing they could all be taken in a moment. But the peace of Jesus, never. He is mine and I am His, always and forever. Never forsaken, an inheritance always waiting for me. Strength for today Lord, strength for today. You’ve got the whole world in Your hands. My heart sings the true song of joy. Hallelujah even here. Until… Maranatha.
Thank you, Heidi, for your words of encouragement! I needed them this morning. I will attempt to be intentional about focusing my thoughts and emotions (setting my heart and mind), on what God has done to bring eternal peace and joy (things above), instead of dwelling on there mundane in the here and now where I’ve been so tempted lately to focus on the irritations and frustrations. Lord help me continue in my faith “established and firm, and do not move from the HOPE held out in the gospel”. You are my joy, Jesus. Amen
Kenya, I love your honest heart, I don’t think any one person can comprehend all God has in store for future, He is bigger than we can imagine and if we could understand all this He would be a small god…This is the daily walk of trust in Jesus that we get to know Him and rest in His peace no matter the storm, it’s the perfect place to be. You are not missing anything in this place of surrender and trust ❤️ -D
This is a pointless test to see what emoji hearts this platform accepts ;) Sometimes I insert them and they show up and others don’t :) Ha! So forgive the comment-interruption!! :)
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A note to myself but open for anyone it could be encouraging to:
Maybe today be intentional on focusing all you can on what God has done to bring peace and eternal joy to you… the mundane will still be here and try to take the focus of your emotions and thoughts- but maybe today be purposeful in taking each mundane (or stressed or irritated or -etc-) thought captive and expose it to the salvation, forgiveness, closeness, peace, and hope we have in Christ that (as it says in the devotional) He is so pleased to give us. I know it doesn’t make problems go away, but it does appropriately prioritize them. And if our only focus is to make problems go away, then the problems/solving has become our idol. Our peace and joy should be just as full regardless of circumstance.
True peace has no contingency on calm, quiet surroundings. It’s the calm WITHIN despite the surroundings.
MICHELLE PATIRE – praying for you and your household. I have a daughter who is 30. Praying favor for you with your mom and that God gives you words to say and wisdom for your future. You definitely need a space you can call your own, whether inside or outside your parents house. God orders your steps and will make a way for you! Blessings!
Peace is one thing I feel like I’m lacking in this season of apartment hunting, trying to plan a trip to Europe to visit two friends, planning my best friend’s bachelorette, adulting, inflation, being single, etc. Whether we feel it or not, peace is ours to claim in Christ. While YES life is stressful, our future is secured therefore we can have hope. Colossians 1:17 “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.” Even though I didn’t feel very peaceful doing my devotions this morning, my roommate’s cat is sitting peacefully in my lap and I hope I absorb some of his peace through osmosis :) May the Lord grant us all a touch of peace in all that we are walking through. I hope everyone has a peaceful day <3
Thanks be to our God!
Thankful for the peace God has give me hope of even though I am undeserving.
Sending prayers to your cousin Dorothy.
I am waiting to hear back from a few jobs in a new town. I have been waiting for a few weeks and am starting to worry. I know God has a plan for me so I am asking for prayers for patience to wait for His answer.
Ceredwyn Holt read the HRT DEVOTIONAL today. May you rest in God’s grace that is indeed yours.
” Something bad will happen and I will immediately begin to question how God feels about me. I will doubt His love for me. I’ll assume He’s ticked off about some sin in my life—maybe one I’m completely unaware of—and then I’ll start to think, What is it between us?
But then I remember Paul’s words: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself…by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19–20).
I say “remember” because I tend to forget what’s true. I forget that regardless of what suffering I may be going through, even if it’s of my own making, God and I are at peace. I forget that while I still struggle with sin—even sin I’m unaware of—we are at peace.
I am at peace with God, reconciled to Him, but not simply because He’s “nice.” God and I are at peace because peace has been bought for me through the blood His Son Jesus shed on the cross. That peace is unshakable and it cannot be altered. It is not dependent upon feelings, nor does it change with my actions—all the things I do or fail to do. It is as sure as Christ Himself. This peace is a fact, and it is a gift.” Matthew B. Redmond
Dorothy – praying your Aunt Betty is over the COVID bug quickly
MICHELLE PATIRE – praying God grants you wisdom about your living situation maybe even providing a way for you to move out into your own space
There is nothing better than the peace of Christ. I am so grateful for His love for me to sacrifice himself so that I may have peace with the Father. ❤️❤️❤️
Thankful for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and for His peace, even though and especially when that peace feels elusive.
I also got a lot from He Reads Truth today.
DOROTHY- praying for your Aunt Betty, and for your job hours mentioned this week.
Continuing to pray through comments and requests.
So previously when we read part of the scripture from Colossians I had decided to read all of that section and in my Bible wrote this about those verses: God is so awesome, so unbelievable, so amazing, so loving, so grace-giving, so forgiving. God and Christ are first and will be first in my life. Thank You Christ ad God for allowing me to be holy and blameless through Christ’s blood being shed on the cross. I will continue to believe and stand firm in the truth of the resurrection and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sisters, I would like to ask for payer for my paternal aunt, Betty, my cousin informed last evening that she tested positive for COVID. She lives at an assisted living facility. My uncle who stills at home is okay.
Be blessed and think at least one positive thought today sisters.