The Gift of Peace

“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 (TNIV)

I spend time on Twitter and Facebook, and I notice that people frequently post that they plan to take a “social media break.”

Why? Generally, the reason people give is that they feel overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of news about what is happening around the world. The level of violence, conflict, chaos, pain, suffering, and constant tragedy can take an enormous toll on people’s hearts and minds.

In addition to the world’s problems, many also carry the constant pressure of worry and anxiety about kids, marriage, health, and even financial responsibilities. The weight of personal problems can feel too heavy to carry.

In the middle of all that is wrong in the world and upside down in our daily lives, perhaps the reassurance we all need to hear is contained in the angels’ declaration to the shepherds at Christmas many years ago: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV).

God saw our distress and spiritual alienation and sent Jesus to save us from our sin and separation. Through Jesus, we can be at peace with God right now.

Jesus also promised to send the Comforter—the Holy Spirit—to be in us and with us at all times. In John 14:26-27, Jesus told his disciples, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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” (NIV).

The peace Jesus said the Holy Spirit would bring will hold you when the bottom falls out, when the wheels come off the bus, and when you feel like you cannot survive another moment. God’s peace will sustain you. It is a peace that is unshakable.

Beyond the peace we can experience with God, and the peace he gives us to face a tumultuous world today, God also promises that when Jesus returns to earth he will bring complete and total peace to the whole world. Knowing God is going to bring peace on earth someday gives us incredible reasons to be hopeful about the future! The day is coming when Jesus will return, and he will bring peace on earth that will last forever. Oh, what an amazing day that will be!

“For unto us a child is born, and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And he will becalled Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (TNIV)