The Resurrection Blessing
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19
Shaking in their sandals, they could not grasp the enormity of what had happened to their beloved Jesus. Their world had caved in with little hope of propping it up again. Where would they go to be safe? What would they say to those pointing fingers? How would they survive? The doors were locked and bolted. Did anyone even realize they were in that upper room?
No door opened but there He stood! His words brushed gently over them with a skilled painter’s gentle touch. His words were calming: “Peace be with you!”
Were they relieved or more confused with His Presence? How would we react to this? His words still apply to us today, but we choose to fight, struggle, and agonize over modern-day issues. Can we be still long enough to hear from Him?
Sarah Young (Jesus Calling) shares a wonderful message for all of us and we need to internalize these words daily.
Trust ME in the depths of your being. It is there that I live in constant communion with you. When you feel flustered and frazzled on the outside, do not get upset with yourself. You are only human, and the swirl of events going on all around you will sometimes feel overwhelming. Rather than scolding yourself for your humanness, remind yourself that I am both with you and within you.
I am with you at all times, encouraging and supportive rather than condemning. I know that deep within you, where I live, My Peace is your continual experience. Slow down your pace of living for a time. Quiet your minds in My Presence. Then you will be able to hear Me bestowing the resurrection blessing: Peace be with you.
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We all need this! Our busy days pass so quickly, and our to-do lists grow longer and longer. The stress of life can be a heavy load. If only we could stop and hear His voice. Maybe the resurrection blessing should be our first thought of the day. Just sayin’!
Loving Lord, thank You for being in my life! You have always been there, and I have not even recognized You. For that, please forgive me. Slow me down so that I can hear Your voice. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston 7/2025