My Peace, I Give You
John 14:27 NET
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.
Peace seems so elusive sometimes. When you read a newspaper or watch the news on TV, the headlines are dominated by stories of conflict or disaster. And at least some parts of your own life are likely less than peaceful. You might be experiencing conflicts within your family, at work, with neighbors, or even within the church.
What causes these conflicts? James tells us that they often come from our selfish desires, whether as a person, a group, or a nation (Jam. 4:1-3). We want what someone else has. And we take it from them if we can. Or harbor resentment if we cannot.
Many people and groups come up with peace plans. They believe these plans will solve the issues between individuals, nations, or people groups. Yet peace remains just as elusive. At best, that peace is a thin veneer that covers the underlying conflict.
Jesus’ Peace Plan
Jesus also offers us peace. But unlike the peace plans held out by others, he can deliver real peace. The peace that Jesus offers goes to the heart of the problem, giving us a new heart and mind.
His peace does not deliver us from all the turmoil in the world. But it does give us peace with God, restoring a broken relationship with our creator. And it gives us confidence that the Sovereign God is watching over us, protecting what is important.
And so, regardless of the news and my own personal circumstances, I do not need to be troubled or afraid. Instead, I can trust in God and rejoice in his care. If God be for me, who can be against me (Rom. 8:31).
