God’s Peace
One of the most desired human emotions is peace – the state of being calm, focussed, and relaxed. Even when we face stress, fear, and uncertainty in life, it is possible to attain a level of calm amid the chaos.
Like you, I have had many times in life where circumstances, relationships, finances, and health have taken a turn for the worse. Life can be complicated, stressful, and unpredictable at times. Situations like these can cause us to worry and become stressed about the future, and rightly so!! It’s not always easy to simply, “not worry” – this is easier said than done!
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I take comfort in two things when times are hard. Firstly, I am thankful for Jesus’s honest assessment about the true condition of this life. Jesus says in Jn. 16:33, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus is talking here about the fact He has overcome the underlying sin and brokenness of this world which leads to deep turmoil and stress. Jesus did this physically and spiritually by disarming sin and death by paying the blood price on the cross for human sin. Through believing and following Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate our way through the most difficult and challenging situations.
The second comfort I experience, as a believer in Jesus, is the promise of His peace amid the chaos. Knowing that trials come my way regardless of my efforts to avoid them, I am encouraged to know that Jesus gives me, and all His followers, peace – the ability to remain calm, focussed, and free of fear in challenging situations. Jesus says in John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.
So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Sometimes this is a daily surrender to trust Jesus and receive His peace, but I have found the peace of God often gives way to joy and hope, not despair and sorrow. If you are facing a challenging time right now don’t face it alone. God wants to help you. Today, ask Jesus into your heart and He will give you His peace.
By Jason Kent