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 14:27

President Herbert Hoover was quite a man. At one time, he was one of the most popular men in the world; not more than two years later, he was one of the most hated and criticized. Late in life, a reporter asked him if all of the ups and downs had bothered him. Hoover, surprised at the question, responded, "Of course not.... When I went into politics I knew what I might expect. When it came, I wasn't disappointed or upset." Then, Hoover added, "Besides, I have 'peace at the center,' you know."

I wonder how many of our readers can say that they have peace at their centers? Sure, we feel pretty good when things are going right, but how about when we're on a downhill slide? How about when people are criticizing us, and life seems to be falling apart? Do we have peace then? Our Lord Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." God's peace is not something that depends on what happens or how people feel. Indeed, God's peace is most profound when things aren't going well. Would you like this peace of God? Do you know somebody who needs it? It's there. He wants you to have it. When you do, you'll find, like Mr. Hoover, no matter what happens, good or bad, you have peace at the center.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice in the peace found in You. Whether things are going right or on a downhill slide, I have peace at the center. Give me the strength to hold onto You and Your peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 23-25    1 Corinthians 14:21-40

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