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
In a world that longs for peace, an internet search will give you thousands of entries on how to find it. Any peace that the world offers, whether from the World Wide Web or other sources, has no depth. It is a transient illusion. The peace that Jesus offers is the only one that is transcendent, permanent, and real. The Greek word for peace in today’s verse is Eirene, which the Greek lexicon defines as “the tranquil state of the soul assured of his salvation through Christ.” Further word study shows this as meaning the “putting together that which had been divided or separated“—the opposite of division or dissension. It is not only an inner tranquility but a social unity, calm, and freedom from fear.
The peace Jesus provides does not depend on circumstances. He is present to give you peace in the midst of disappointment, financial turmoil, anxiety, illness, and any agitation that may arise from news of wars in Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. There is no situation in which His peace is not available to you. The indwelling Spirit of the Living God offers His ever-present power, you need only to receive it through prayer and belief. “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
In these days, when there are wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24), while the world looks for peace, what they seek may be a delusion as well as an illusion. They cry, “peace, peace, but there is no peace,” as Jeremiah 6:14 says. The world will not experience true peace until Christ returns to bring an end to the present age and establish His perfect rule of peace and justice (Isaiah 2:4). While you hope in the Lord and receive His peace, continue to pray, as the word of God instructs, for officials in the government (1 Timothy 2:1-3), and for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
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
4 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.
