Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. – John 14:27
America, and the world, is living in troubled times. There is inflation, an immigration crisis, integrity questions in national and regional elections, and Ukraine and, most recently, Israel are at war. How is an individual to respond to it all? For those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and live to make Him Lord of their lives, the answer is full reliance upon Him. It sounds easy but can be a daily challenge. He has said He gives you peace. So receive and hold onto it!
Begin by releasing the burdens and cares of your heart to Him in prayer. “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Take a deep breath, for God promises in Philippians 4 that your heart and mind will be guarded by His peace (vv. 4-6). Then place your reliance and trust on Him. “But I trust you, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand” (Psalm 31:14-15). Now, remind yourself of His faithfulness toward you: “But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).
Go through this exercise as often as you need to, it is not a once-for-all-and-you’re-done type of thing. Your growth and maturity in Christ will increase and your burdens will become lighter and less challenging. Pray for those who are in authority in the United States, whose burdens are heavy, to find the Burden Bearer, Christ Jesus, and increase their reliance on Him.
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: Psalm 31:1-2, 14-22
1In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me!
2 Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me!
14 But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
16 Make your face shine on your servant;
save me in your steadfast love!
17 O Lord, let me not be put to shame,
for I call upon you;
let the wicked be put to shame;
let them go silently to Sheol.
18 Let the lying lips be mute,
which speak insolently against the righteous
in pride and contempt.
19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
20 In the cover of your presence you hide them
from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was in a besieged city.
22 I had said in my alarm,
“I am cut off from your sight.”
But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy
when I cried to you for help.
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.
