VOW: Peace – John 14:27

Verse of the Week

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.

John 14:27 NKJV

What comes to mind when you hear the word peace? Freedom from racing thoughts? Respite from the daily grind? No disagreements with your spouse or boss? The baby sleeping through the night?

What kind of peace is Jesus referring to? How is His peace different from the peace of this world? These are good questions to ponder, since we all want to experience peace.

Jesus shows us a path to His peace. Don’t allow your heart to be troubled or afraid! Sounds like a choice to me. How do I make this choice?

The Hebrew word that is translated peace in the Old Testament is shalom. This would have been the word Jesus used when He spoke to His disciples. Shalom is completeness, safety, welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment, friendship (with God and man), peace from war.

This is the kind of peace that Jesus promises us. It embodies the aspects of peace we understand, but goes further. It is a completeness that is only found in Him. That is why His peace is not like the peace of this world. Earthly peace is temporary, fleeting, incomplete. True peace requires a relationship with Christ. We must know the Prince of Peace to receive His gift of peace.

However, belonging to Christ does not mean our lives will be free of the troubles of life that steal peace. In fact, Jesus said that in this life we will have tribulation (pressure, oppression, affliction, distress).

Notice that Jesus was explaining these things to His disciples just before Judas betrayed Him. He gave them His peace just before they all walked into what was the most anxious season of their lives to that point.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

So, how do we not let our heart be troubled or afraid in times of pain, uncertainty, chaos, fear? By making a conscious choice to choose Jesus, to believe His words and promises, to believe that His choice to endure the ultimate tribulation purchased our peace.

Live it out this Week

Refuse anxiety. Ask Jesus to wrap you in perfect peace.

Meditate on Psalm 4:8; 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7.

Prayer

Lord, You know every anxious thought and beat of my heart. Thank You for sending Jesus, my Prince of Peace. I am running to You to guard my heart and mind, and not to what the world prescribes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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