“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.” John 14:27.
Jesus makes this amazing statement to His disciples just hours before their world is turned upside down by Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution. Jesus conveys His peace on His disciples, fully knowing that they will need every strand of peace possible to make it through this painful time. Please remember that Jesus never made flippant comments, as we do – when He gave them His peace, He really gave them His peace. This wasn’t a peace of appeasement or a peace at any cost. It was more like a peace that helps a person sustain and persevere through the storms of life, no matter how difficult.
It is very comforting to know of Jesus’ enduring presence with me through His Holy Spirit. I get myself all worked up with many of the problems of life, and I find that I am not focusing on His presence and on His peace with and in me. It is when I settle down, get quiet, and refocus that I realize the peace and presence of Jesus that has been with me through the whole troubling time. When I look at unsettling events around the world; when I hear all the problems in our country; when I see terrible things in our city, it is vital that I cling to these words of peace from Jesus. It is a commandment, not a suggestion that we not let our hearts be troubled or afraid. We are to intentionally decide to quiet down, receive His peace, and allow His Spirit to have His way.
Questions to consider: What causes you to lose the peace of God in your life? What can be done to get His peace back? How are you doing right now? Could you use His peace in your life right now?
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us a peace that is different from what the world attempts to give us. Please help us to lay our troubles, fears, and anxieties down at Your feet and receive Your peace. Amen.
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