What is your response to troubling news? Jesus informed His disciples of His upcoming departure and they were troubled at this distressing news. What about the plans for the promised kingdom? How could they get along without Him? Although Jesus would be leaving them, He would not leave them alone, Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit,

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (John 14:26)

The word Helper literally means one who is called alongside. The Amplified Bible uses these synonyms to describe the Holy Spirit:  (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby). Jesus promised His disciples the Holy Spirit, and He also offered them His peace,

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)

Jesus does not provide the peace of the world, but the peace which comes from God. The peace that Jesus offers is not affected by outward circumstances. What are some of the ways the world seeks to find peace? Worldly peace is often an attempt to escape from or mask over the problems. They may do this with a variety of ways: drugs to numb the pain, excessive work to escape other responsibilities, or mindless entertainment. The peace that Jesus offers does not imply an absence of problems, but the presence of God. Sometimes the Lord may calm the storm around you, but more often He will calm the storm within you. Are you experiencing His peace?

Jesus tells us that your heart does not need to be troubled or fearful but you can experience the peace that He provides. The word troubled means to be stirred up or agitated. You must realize that the presence of trouble does not mean the absence of God. The good news is that you can have His peace even in the midst of the storm.

We may find this a difficult truth to embrace because we are often influenced by our outward circumstances. We must believe God’s truth rather than our subjective feelings. Francois de La Rochefoucauld observes, “If we have not peace within ourselves, it is in vain to seek it from outward sources.” When we are in His will, He is our peace. As you experience His peace, you will be an instrument of peace to others. Thomas a Kempis teaches, “First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.”

Don’t allow the worries of the world to rob you of His peace. Jesus offers His peace to His followers. You can experience the gift of His peace that surpasses all human understanding. Receive the gift of peace that Jesus has for you.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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