October 9

It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them. Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” — John 20:19,21 BSB

This represents the beginning of His first encounter with our hearts when He brings us His peace and teaches us to trust and love Him.

But there’s a second peace He offers. Jesus said to His disciples again, “Peace be with you.” There’s peace, and then there’s “again” peace. There’s the peace with God, and then there’s the peace of God that surpasses understanding. It’s this deeper peace we need before we can serve Him or be used for His glory.

As long as we are weighed down with our own concerns, He cannot entrust us with His work. While we are preoccupied with our own struggles, we won’t have the capacity to focus on His purposes. Our hearts will be too burdened to fully embrace the mission He has for us.

So, before we can be entrusted with His work, He wants to free us from every worry and care.

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin,
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, with pressing duties near,
To do the will of Jesus brings us rest.