Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Perfect Peace in His Presence
Many years ago I remember someone asking me what I wanted in life. My answer was peace. They didn’t like my answer. I’m not sure why, but perhaps this person was looking for something tangible like a certain job, a family, or success.
In my opinion, peace seems like something everyone would want. Peace in our relationships, peace in our jobs, peace in our hearts, peace with God.
Unfortunately, we will have tribulations in this world, as Jesus said in John 16:33. But in the same verse, Jesus also reminds us the He has overcome the world.
And in John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The Lord offers us peace. It starts with a relationship with Jesus. When we are anchored to Him, then we will know that no matter what we are facing, Jesus and His peace are there with us.
The peace of Jesus “transcends all understanding” (Php 4:7) because its source is Christ himself. His peace keeps us from fear and worry because it brings us straight to him—and teaches us to depend on him in everything we face. And we know that no matter what our circumstances, the Lord Jesus will sustain us, strengthen us and enable us to walk through it victoriously. – Charles Stanley
Perhaps you have seen the bumper sticker – “No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.”
Exactly!
When we have a relationship with Jesus, we trust Him. We know that whatever we are walking through, He’s got our backs.
However, we do still have an enemy who is out to get us. And we are human. So fears and worries will try to creep in at times. But in those moments, we need to remind ourselves of truth. We need to give ourselves a pep talk. And we need to hold onto Bible verses that encourage us.
One Bible verse that really spoke to me a few weeks ago in the midst of many eye appointments was Isaiah 26:3:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Aren’t those words beautiful? When we trust in God and fix our thoughts on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace. What a gift! 🎁
My word for 2024 is Presence. And something I am learning is that there is peace in Jesus’ Presence. However, our lives are busy, we have many distractions, and our minds are pulled to the work in front of us. Therefore, we might not always be focused on the fact that the Lord’s Presence is there with us.
So we have to deliberately shift our mindset and remind ourselves that His Presence is with us in that moment. And when we do that, we will feel that perfect peace invade whatever situation we are in.
What is troubling you today? What fears or worries are occupying your thoughts? Remember, Jesus is there. He sees you when it feels like no one else does. He hears you, even when you think no one is listening. If you turn to Him, He will bring peace and He will guide you through the challenges you’re dealing with.
Thank you for reading. I hope you have a blessed weekend!
© 2018-2024 Bridget A. Thomas. All rights reserved.
Bridget A. Thomas 
Bridget, I think we all want peace in all the areas that you mentioned. But as you said in this world we will have tribulation, but Jesus offers us His peace 🙏🏽.
I love the Isaiah 26:3 verse, had not had that at the forefront of my mind recently and reading it here brought it fresh into my mind. Thank you my friend. I am going to write that down and keep it with me. I need that reminder.
His presence with us – yes, hard to do when we feel anxious but we can remind ourselves of it and also that he is our ever present help.
Love the post. God bless you and I pray you have a wonderful weekend 💙
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I’m so thankful for Jesus and the peace He offers. 🙌
I’m glad the reminder of the verse from Isaiah was comforting. I’m with you – I think I will write it down too. Sometimes I will put verses on my desk, because I spend a lot of time there. Or I will keep them with my Bible and notebook so that I will be sure to see them each morning. The words in that verse are wonderful.
I like how you put that – “he is our ever present help.” So true. I’m thankful for that. Sometimes in my day I forget this. So I’m trying to do a better job of reminding myself of truth.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. God bless you too and I hope you also have a wonderful weekend! 🤗🦋
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I have been thinking about perfect peace—shalom, shalom—quite a bit myself since someone left a verse (Isaiah 26:3) on my desk encouraging me to rest in God’s perfect peace. It’s comforting and reassuring to know we can rest and trust in God. Thanks for this refreshing reminder, Bridget. Peace.
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I’m sorry, Rainer, but your comment went to spam for some reason! 😱 I love that you have been thinking about this topic and verse as well. How wonderful that someone left that verse on your desk for you. It’s amazing how the Lord sends us what we need, right when we need it. What a tremendous gift we have in Jesus! Thank you for sharing this. And peace to you too! 😁
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No worries! Yes, it is indeed amazing how God knows just what we need and when we need it. Blessings!
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I remember that bumper sticker! I have not seen it in years lol. But I agree with you about the importance of having peace. It seems the older I get the more important it has become to me to have peace in all areas of my life. It can be difficult to maintain because there is always someone or something that will try to interrupt our peace. But as you mentioned, Jesus is the Source of our peace and so we must cling to Him. I’ve found that praying without ceasing and continuously giving Him every thing in prayer, no matter how small, helps to maintain my peace. And of course walking in obedience to what He tells us to do leads to peace. Thanks Bridget. Have a blessed weekend too. 💕💐
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I haven’t seen the bumper sticker in a long time either. I googled it when I was writing this, and did see bumper stickers and t-shirts for sale with those words. So I guess they’re still around! 😁 I like that you pointed out – “It seems the older I get the more important it has become to me to have peace in all areas of my life.” That’s a good point. I think for many of us, as we get older, we have a better vision of what’s most important. I also like your point about praying without ceasing and handing things over to Him, even small things. I think when we are intentional about that, it helps us see that Jesus is with us through everything. And you are right about walking in obedience too. Sometimes the things He asks us to do might bring fear or worry. But when we remember how trustworthy He is, it makes it easier to step forward. Thank you for sharing your insight, Dawn! 🤗♥️
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I think “peace” is one of my primary motivations for all my wilderness trekking… Jesus gives a peace no wilderness or nature experience can. It’s the difference between water and living water.
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You make a good point that the peace we find in Jesus does outshine any other peace we find. I like the way you put that – “It’s the difference between water and living water.” But I agree that getting out in nature is peaceful. And being in God’s creation can be a good way to draw closer to the Lord, especially when we do so with prayer in our hearts. I imagine you have had many moments outdoors when you have felt the Lord was near. Thank you, Gary, for sharing your insight!
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I love you answer to the person who asked what you wanted in life. I also love how you point us to the ultimate source or said peace: Jesus Christ. Everything, and everyone else is a poor substitute.
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I’m so thankful for the Prince of Peace. He not only bridges the gap between us and God, but He brings peace into our lives, even when we walk through challenges. You’re right, David – everything and everyone else is a poor substitute! Your post today resonated with with the peace we find in Jesus! 😁
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What a joy to learn it is possible to have peace in tribulation when Jesus is the center of that peace.
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Earlier today I was thinking how life is continually changing. In different seasons of our lives, circumstances will be different. Family dynamics change. Some friends or family might move away. But Jesus is with us through it all. He is our constant anchor, our friend, and companion. What a comfort that is. ♥️
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Amen
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Is 26.3, 4‼😍
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♥️
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This was such a wonderful post…so inspiring. Yes, we must rest in Jesus, and lay our cares at His feet. It is so easy to get bogged down in the cares of this world. We lose sight of God’s great gift to us…perfect peace in His presence. He is always there, just waiting for us in the midst of every moment.
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You said that perfectly. What a gift we have in our Savior. He is everything we need! 🙌♥️
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I’ve been asked and given the same answer, Bridget.
Faith = Peace
I’m studying John currently. Lots of good stuff there.
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Growing in my understanding and experience of peace is something that has been foremost on my mind. Thanks for sharing your insights along your journey of experiencing God’s presence, Bridget.
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Every day many things weigh on our hearts and minds. We need the peace. I’m so thankful that with Jesus we can have peace amidst the storms, because we can trust Him and He is in control. What a blessing! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Rainer!
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Amen 🙏 My pleasure, Bridget.
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Interesting because I was recently thinking I would want “peace in the world most of all”…I’m thankful though that we’re told “in this world there will be trouble, but we can take heart regardless because Jesus has overcome”, there is peace in that truth for those who believe in Jesus.
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Your comment made me think of the song 🎵 Let There Be Peace On Earth. 🎵 So true, I’m thankful for Jesus and the peace He offers too. Even in the midst of a storm, He is with us. And there is no one better to be by our sides. What a gift 🎁🤍🤗
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