Text: John 14:25-31
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
There is no doubt today that we find ourselves in difficult and troubling times. We can turn on the television at any point during the day and see all the problems going on in our world. There is no shortage of people suffering. It can be very overwhelming, scary and cause a great deal of anxiety.
I heard a story one time about a major art gallery that sponsored a competition for painters. They were offering prizes for the best painting on the subject of "Peace."
As attenders browsed through the entries. Most of the visitors had decided that one certain painting was almost sure to win. It portrayed a very calm and crystal-clear lake, with birds flying and fish jumping with a beautiful sun setting in the background. The calm and peaceful waters was sure to be the picture of peace. However, that painting came in second. The painting that won was a real surprise. The scene was the ocean in a violent storm. The sky was ominous, the lightning was cutting across the sky, and the waves were crashing into the rock walls of the cliffs by the shore. But in the midst of the storm the clouds had a tiny break and a beam of light shot down through the storm and in that beam of light sat a little Blue Jay singing a song. The bird seemed completely unaware of the storm raging around it.
Peace is not the absence of a storm - it is peace in the middle of the storm.
Jesus knew these times would come. There is nothing that happens in this world that He did not know about ahead of time and have a plan to use it for good.
He also knew that His followers would need an anchor for the soul in troubled times—a power greater than ourselves to trust.
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 have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
(John 14:26-27)
As followers of Jesus Christ we can have peace despite the condition of the world around us. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and true peace only comes through a relationship with Jesus.
Are you struggling to make sense of the things going on around you right now? Take heart, do not become discouraged.
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf. (2 Chronicles 20:17)
May the God of peace guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,
Nancy