What would happen if you turned the television on one day and there were no wars, tragedies, killings, political fights, or devastation to report? How would you react?
We know the world has fallen under sin and is being influenced by the prince of the power of the air who promotes only disobedience (Eph. 2:2). Therefore, it is not able to provide this type of peace. So should we fall apart, be full of fear, throw up our hands and give up to discouragement? No. Why? Because although outwardly the world may seem to be falling apart, there is an inner peace that is possibly to the children of God. It’s true. John 14:27 NKJV states:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
We think we are facing tough times. Have you thought about the disciples at the time when Jesus stated the above to them? They had left everything to follow Him, witnessed the power of God on earth through Him for three years, and now He informed them that He was leaving. He had not set up the kingdom in the way they thought He would. He was leaving them after stirring up opposition from the religious leaders and many Jews. In addition, the Roman government was keeping an eye on them to make sure they would not cause any trouble. The world they were facing during His departure was not favorable at all.
The customary good-bye among the Jews was to say shalom, meaning “peace.” So in saying good-bye to His disciples, Jesus was leaving a peace that would pass all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). In truth, they would not realize this until later.
A person who is about to die usually writes a last will and testament in which he leaves his possessions to his loved ones. Here the Lord Jesus was doing the same. However, He did not leave material possessions but something that money could not buy. He was leaving “My peace.” “My” represents a personal possession that only He could leave them. The world provides a peace that is usually short-lived, sparingly, partial, and fleeting. This peace that Jesus gives is nothing like this and is eternal. That is why Christians can rise above defeating circumstances that otherwise would devastate them. For after His departure, the Lord indwells each Christian with His Holy Spirit who alone can produce this peace within (Gal. 5:22). The world has tried to imitate this peace but cannot.
Even after His resurrection, Jesus emphasized His peace in John 20:19-21 and 26-27. The peace that Jesus personally bestows upon His followers provides pardon for sin, reconciliation with God the Father, can eliminate dread in the midst of trouble and sorrow, and remove fear of death and the future. No wonder He said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Therefore, the peace of our souls does not have to rise and fall with unpredictable people or world events as seen on television. We can remain anchored to the Prince of Peace Himself. So you have a choice to make. What will it be?
Paula is compassionately committed to biblically teach and mentor women who desire to be renewed in their minds by God’s eternal Word so their destinies will become a reality. She goes beyond sharing biblical principles to practical application for everyday living.
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