(John 20:21a).

The disciples were in fear, hiding behind locked doors because as John 20:9 says, "they still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead." They were concerned about their own future as perhaps they too would suffer the same death as Jesus. And if Jesus was not alive, then all their hopes were ruined. In the depths of their despair, confusion and unrest, Jesus comes and says, "Peace be with You." Jesus is not hindered by locked doors. You can't hide from God! You can't hide your thoughts from God. You can't run and sit behind some locked doors and think that God is not there. Even if you convince yourself or someone else convinces you that God is not real, HE IS!

Perhaps you are in the depths of despair, confusion or your heart is empty. Jesus wants to encourage you today by saying, "PEACE BE WITH YOU."

"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace" (Psalm 29:11).

Isaiah prophesied about Jesus saying, "And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6b)

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:15).

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and the Gospel of Peace is a description of the Spiritual armor, the armor of God that we are be clothed with to fight satan (Ephesians 6:15).

What an interesting use of the word peace for the Apostle Paul to say, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). Yet, think about it. The God of peace, meaning He is a God who wants us to live in peace, must crush Satan so that we CAN live in peace.

What encouraging words today. Peace! When Jesus traveled by boat with His disciples and the storm came up without warning, the disciples were afraid. They woke Jesus and "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm"(Mark 4:39).

Jesus says to you today, "peace be with you. Quiet! Be still!"

Re-arranging my life for Christ,
David