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.
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