Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27
After the wild ride of 2020, many may enter 2021 with trepidation. Consider the Lord’s life. Did Jesus live a life of peace? Often the circumstances in His life appeared chaotic. One of His closest friends betrayed Him. The religious leaders of the day tried to trap Him in everything He said or did. They finally carried out their plot to kill Him, thinking they were doing God a service.
Still, Jesus offers peace. The peace of Christ is twofold. First, He offers peace with God. He said no one could come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Second, He offers an inner peace “guarding your heart and mind” (Philippians 4:7). God does not guarantee world peace, in fact, Jesus predicted wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6). Jesus was peace on Earth (Luke 2:14), but He said, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” ( Matthew 10:34). As it says in today’s verse, a peaceful heart comes from Him, not from what’s going on in the world.
People can’t help the way they feel, however. What causes fear and worry? Is it not thinking of the bad things that are happening or could happen? To turn that around, think about good things. Think about how He loves you and your family. How the Father loves people so much He sent His Son. How He answers your prayers. Remind yourself of who He is and what He has done for you. Pray for the elected officials and citizens of the nation to turn to the Lord to have peace in their hearts this new year.
Today’s Verse: John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
