God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing- C.S.Lewis
By: Machelle McDowell
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.’ As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. - John 20:19-22
Are you hiding behind locked doors? Is fear & anxiousness holding you captive? Are you looking for a peace in your heart about things that are burdening you? May I help you find it today?
There was a time not long ago that I was anxious about many things. So many that it began to spill over into my emotions and in turn created a battle field conducive for the enemy to open fire. He emptied a full arsenal of “doubt” into my heart and mind! This attack left me in a desolate place.
My Jesus didn’t leave me in this place I put myself in for long! He came to my rescue. He has a way of breaking through locked doors of our hearts and mind! He wants to show us how to find peace in Him.
He virtually led me Into the room with the disciples described in this passage, John 20:20-22!
Let me set the scene: This was a time right after Jesus‘s resurrection and the disciples were locked in a room out of fear for their lives. Jesus came and stood among them and said not once but twice, “Peace be with you.”.... and then, he breathes on them and says “receive the Holy Spirit”.
This passage is such a beautiful picture of Jesus’ tender love for us! He touches us the same way he reached out to the disciples in this text.
Each verse reached out and stimulated my senses! I Found myself literally experiencing this passsge in a physical way.
I could envision Jesus entering the room and a instant calmness flooding the hearts of His disciples. I could sense the joy that came over the disciples when he spoke the words, “Peace be with you.” I could not get past verse 22. I read it over and over again meditating on the visual of Jesus “breathing” on the disciples! What a comforting thought!
I could almost feel Jesus’ breath upon my skin as I reread those verses. I felt so peaceful and thankful for his presence only for Him to show me more!
As I walked out of my house towards the mailbox that morning, I rounded the corner of our garage. Instantly, a gentle breeze hit my face wisping my hair back off of my shoulders.
Immediately, my heart and mind was reminded of John 20:22. It gave me a sense of assurance that His spirit was with me and would help me through any situation I was struggling with.
I sincerely believe that God worked all of these events together so He could speak peace into my life like He did with the disciples that day in that locked room so they could complete the task he had called them to do. And like He can do for you!
We are not to react in situations in fear or anxiousness but with confidence! I love this verse! It says it all!
Isaiah 41:13 “For I, the Lord your God hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “ Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Believe it!
You can find temporary peace through reaching out to a spouse or a good friend, but a true peace can only be found in Jesus. He will never leave nor forsake you. He is actively pursuing a relationship with you. If you reach out to Him…..He will take your hand and lead you. The peace that transcends all understanding will guard your heart!
Let Him breathe on you! Let Him give you the breath of life!