Luke 9: 23-24
July 3, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 3 JULY
July 3, 2024
THE 3rd OF JULY
WE CAN ALWAYS HAVE THE PEACE OF JESUS
“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” – John 14:27
The struggles I’ve faced over the past few years have taught me that choosing to enjoy life and be happy, as children of God, is a personal decision. Being sad or unhappy doesn’t improve our circumstances; in fact, it can make things worse for us and those around us, robbing them of their joy.
Jesus has given us His own peace! Our renewed spirit possesses the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which includes love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22). These qualities work together. Love helps us not to take offense easily and to forgive quickly. Love and peace bring us joy. By valuing our joy, we strive to maintain it, leading to more peace.
By resisting fear, anxiety, worry, and other negative emotions, we preserve our peace and maintain a joyful heart. It’s truly worthwhile to protect our peace. Living an agitated and troubled life benefits no one. Engaging in arguments just to be right or to have the last word only brings trouble. The more we follow our Lord’s guidance, the happier we become.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You so much for Your peace, which surpasses all understanding! I cherish Your peace deeply. Please grant me Your wisdom so that I can maintain my peace and joy, not allowing myself to be fearful, intimidated, cowardly, or unsettled, no matter the situation. Father God, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that His fruit abounds in my life and I may live in a way that pleases You. Glory and praises to Your Holy Name, dear Lord. Amen.
