27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
-John 14:27 NIV
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33 NIV
We often associate peace with environments and situations void of conflict or challenges. For example, when you read the word peace, what imagery comes to your mind? Do you think of a spa day filled with a relaxing massage, a cozy white robe, and water with cucumbers in it? Do you dream of a freshly deep cleaned and organized home, with no clutter and everything in its place? Do you imagine curling up in a blanket next to a crackling fire, sipping tea and savoring your favorite book? Do you fantasize about soaking up the sun laying on a gorgeous and secluded beach somewhere in the Caribbean with no cell phone reception?
We tend to see peace as an experience entirely dependent on our circumstances. The problem with this philosophy is that it presents peace as something fickle and fleeting, elusive and skittish. When things are great, peace is present. But as soon as the storm arrives or you know what hits the fan, peace has left the building and fear has moved in.
Jesus offers us a different kind of peace. His peace. It’s not a fair-weathered only friend; it’s peace that won’t leave you high and dry when things get difficult. In fact, the peace Jesus gives won’t fail you when you face trouble. It’s more enduring than whatever you are up against. It’s a peace you can count on.
Today, what troubles are you facing? What circumstances are worrying you? What situations feel scary? Where do you feel ill-equipped or under-qualified? These troubles you are facing are real, but even though they are present, so is Jesus’ peace. Today, you can receive once again His immovable peace. You can take heart and experience well-being and comfort in your soul knowing that Jesus has overcome the world! His victory will always have the final say in your life and your leadership.
Did you know?
The Greek word used in these passages for peace is “eirene”. In Hebrew this same word is “shalom” and means more than simply the absence of strife or conflict. Shalom implies the peace and rest of God and encompasses ideas of completeness, wholeness, soundness, wellbeing, and complete reconciliation. It speaks to being in right relationship with God, with others, and with His creation. It denotes the way God intended the world to be at creation.