“The mob rocked our friends’ cars. Kids were inside. They’ve threatened to target our kids on the school buses. Some women are taking their kids back to the states. I’m thinking of taking Kristin back.”

On April 14, 1986, America bombed Libya to retaliate for the country’s sponsorship of terrorism against Americans. We lived off base near Aviano Air Base in Italy, not far from terrorist headquarters.

Different threats today, but frightening circumstances bombard us.

What do you long for? Peace? Courage? Contentment? Boldness?

God is near. He protects, provides, and empowers.

“These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:25-27)

Jesus knew that the cross was before Him; yet, He had peace.

The disciples’ hopes and dreams were going to be shattered. But Jesus wanted them to know that He was not deserting them. They were going to receive two gifts that would sustain them: the Holy Spirit and peace.

7 Reasons to Rejoice in the Holy Spirit

1. The Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life, John 3:6, 2 Corinthians 3:8, Titus 3:5.
2. The Holy Spirit in us guarantees that we have eternal life with God, and considers our bodies as His holy temple, 2 Corinthians 5:5, Ephesians 1:14, 1 Corinthians 6:19.
3. Our Advocate or Comforter convicts the world of its sin, God’s righteousness, and judgment, John 16:8.
4. Our Helper teaches us and guides us, John 14:17, John 14:26, 1 John 2:27, Galatians 5:16.
5. The Holy Spirit empowers us or gives us boldness when we need it, Acts 1:8, Acts 4:31.
6. The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts, like faith, healing, miracles prophecy, tongues, and more, 1 Corinthians 12:8.
7. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 5:5, Romans 15:30.

7 Reasons to Rejoice in Peace

“In the Bible the word for peace, [sic] shalom, never means simply the absence of trouble. It means everything which makes for our highest good. The peace which the world offers us is the peace of escape, the peace which comes from the avoidance of trouble and from refusing to face things.” (Barclay)

1. God gives His people peace and blesses peacemakers, Psalm 29:11, Psalm 35:27, Matthew 5:9.
2. The Prince of Peace is our peace, Isaiah 9:6, John 16:33.
3. Jesus heals and encourages us to live in peace, an assurance of salvation, Mark 5:34.
4. The Good News is that we have peace with God through Jesus, Acts 10:36, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 6:15.
5. The Kingdom of God consists of living a life of goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17.
6. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds, as we live in Jesus, Romans 8:6, Philippians 4:7.
7. The Holy Spirit grows peace in our lives, Galatians 5:22.

“Knowing that Jesus has overcome the world brings us good cheer. It is the foundation for our peace in Him,” David Guzik.

Peace Can Be Yours

Whatever the trials we face, we can rejoice as the Holy Spirit reminds us that Jesus has given us His peace, a peace beyond our understanding.

Although the trials were great at Aviano Air Base, Kristin and I stayed with Keith.

The threats continued, and base entrances were guarded by soldiers in armored personnel carriers … 50 caliber machine guns on top and pointed at entering vehicles. We’d stop as soldiers examined our IDs, ran mirrors under our car, and waited on the canines to check us out.

Caution was preeminent, but God gave us an extra dose of His perfect peace, a peace that enables a Christ-follower to sleep in the storms of life, Mark 8:24.

He will give you peace, too. Ask Jesus to give you His peace through the Holy Spirit, today.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to become our Comforter, Advocate, Teacher, Guide, and Cultivator of fruit. You have blessed us by sending the Prince of Peace to show us the path of peace and to breath on us His peace. May we live in Your peace through the Holy Spirit. Amen

What gives you peace?