"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
There is a depth of peace that one enjoys when one hides securely in God. It is a peace that one experiences when one surrenders all control and submits to God’s will in every situation. This is an unshakeable peace. It is the kind of peace that stands apart and separate from the shifting circumstances and uncertainties that surround our human lives. It is a peace that surpasses human understanding. Such peace is founded on the person of Jesus Christ, whose word and promise, is immutable.
The Bible mentions God’s peace over 400 times. This means we can reflect on a verse regarding peace all year through. In one instance, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God’s word reminds us that: “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
Again, the Psalmist proclaims: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
Our God is Sovereign, and he has had a plan to usher in peace into our lives and our world from the beginning of time. His word assures us that he will see this plan to its completion (Revelation 21:4). He alone can make us “dwell in safety.” When Jesus was leaving this earth, he gave his disciples the gift of peace saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives….” Today, believers can access this peace, through faith and trust in our LORD, Jesus Christ. He alone can and wants to replace our fear with his perfect peace. Isaiah reminds us that he will bring wars to an end, justice to the needy. He will shelter those who are experiencing life’s storms and will be a shade of comfort for those going through fiery trials. He will set this troubled world straight, not by removing its imperfections but by entering it and bestowing his Presence because he is our peace.
Do you desire peace in any area of your life? If you do, look no further than Jesus, who is our peace. He wants to give you his peace which is completely different from the world’s peace. The world’s peace is dependent on the absence of trouble or war, but Christ’s peace holds despite the storm. As a child of God this peace is yours and Jesus says to you right now in your situation, “…Do not let your heart(s) be troubled and do not be afraid." And God knows, that in our current complicated world environment, with the tensions and uncertainties swirling around us, we need God’s peace most all. AMEN!