All of us know the experience of facing situations that can provoke our fears and anxieties. As Job 5:7 declares, “…man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” How profound and significant then, are these words from Jesus Christ to His own:
“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.” (Jn. 14:27)
What stabilizing comfort is found for God’s people in these powerful statements! The other-worldly peace that Jesus promises is an inner calmness that results from trusting Him. It is a tranquility known not in the absence of trouble, but in the assurance of the Father’s care through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26). And our experience of this peace is directly connected to our prayers:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:4-7)
Beloved, in whatever circumstances the Lord has ordained for us, at any given time, He has given us more than adequate resources in Christ to know His peace. I’m praying with you, and for you, to know His peace in fullest measure. May the God who alone gives such peace be magnified, as we delight in and proclaim His great excellencies in Christ!