John 14:27-31
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.
“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
I often think of peace in terms of the absence of strife, friction, and stress. But, let’s flip it around and understand that peace comes from God and is the real default state that was before Adam sinned and will be after Jesus returns. Our current experiences are like a storm on a lake. As long as we are in the boat with Jesus we will get to the other side. Matthew 8:23-27.
The world is often fighting for peace but that kind of peace can never be complete or long-lasting. Real peace can’t be taken it can only be given. Matthew 10:8 says, “Freely you have received; freely give.”
Jesus follows giving us his peace with an injunction to not let our hearts be troubled. There is an element of volition in experiencing the peace of God. There is even an aspect of training or discipline that is necessary. Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
The disciples had real reason for being afraid but Jesus tells them to not be afraid. The jealously of the Jews and the cruelty of the Romans did not withstand the purpose of God. In our lives, the troubles of the world are the same. They are in God’s hands and play out for His purpose. Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.”
Peace is the result of trust in Christ and Jesus gives the great reason we can place our trust in him. Read Romans 8:31-39. Since he is with the Father, our Father, and he has given us his Spirit we are united with God. 1 Corinthians 6:17, ” whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”
And Jesus gives us the perfect example of how to live out his peace. In going to the cross with perfect trust in the Father Jesus showed us how to face everything and anything life throws at us.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trumpet shall sound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
brotherpayne 