The war in Ukraine has shaken us all. How is this possible in the year 2022? I guess, we humans truly are a sinful bunch. We truly need Jesus. Maybe this is a wake-up call to all of us to see what’s really important in life and what’s superficial and vainglory. May we all be reminded that in the world there is no peace without Jesus. But with Jesus, we have peace that is real even in the midst of war and it lasts forever.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1, NIV)

What if you know this in your head but it does not show in your life? Then it’s time to start believing it. Actually, we need to start believing anew every morning as nothing had happened before. Mercy is anew every morning and we need to receive it in order to live in it.

No peace without Jesus

Here’s some practical advice from C.S. Lewis: “The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.”

When we surrender to God, we are reminded of the fact this life as we know it, is not all there is. What is impossible for us is just a beginning point to God. We do not need to be afraid. God’s got this. We do not need to know the whole picture. God knows and he leads us gently into the future.

I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! (John 14:27, TPT)

There is no peace without Jesus. And, as Watchman Nee has said, “outside of Christ I am weak; in Christ I am strong.” Outside of Christ, I might be afraid, but in Christ I am fearless. Hence I can be bold and courageous even when the world crumbles around me.

So how can we have peace at all times? By surrendering to Jesus daily, letting the Holy Spirit flow in us and empower and embolden us. Then it’s not us living fearlessly but Christ in us doing so. We can’t but God sure can. And that’s our joy, our peace, our hope. No matter what happens. Come what may, we praise God from dawn to dusk, from generation to generation, from everlasting to everlasting.

Dear God,
We thank you for giving us everlasting hope.
How wonderful to know you take care of us no matter what happens to us.
We thank you for giving us your perfect peace.
How wonderful that in you we have everything we ever need.
We praise you for giving us your Spirit, your love, your grace.
Bless us, help those who suffer, and bring peace to the world.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

P.S.

How are you doing? I hope you abide in Jesus and receive his perfect love and peace. Because there is no peace without Jesus. Without him, you are weak, afraid, and hopeless. But with him, you have peace, strength, and all you need in any given situation. Lean on Him, trust Him, praise Him. He is a living and loving God who wants to give you grace upon grace and life upon life. Receive it and put it to good use. It will never run out. Use it and celebrate God!