Rising for another day, I am amazed at the speed with which “normal” life has changed. Although I am an old man, just a few years ago it was so predictable, relatively safe (if I didn’t do anything stupid) and even boring.
Not today.
I am sure you, too, have been jolted by life. Uncertainties, stresses, and fears about what will happen next. Will you have a job? Will you have a partner? Will you be able to take care of yourself and loved ones?
Enter, Jesus.
In John 14:27, Jesus says the words humanity longs to hear. “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.” (NASB95)
Again, in John 16:33, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
These words of comfort and assurance are actionable words. These words are not passive but demand from us actions. They encourage us to not let our hearts be troubled, that means we actively embrace and apply the peace Jesus is providing. We face what the world throws at us in the assurance of Jesus’ gift. Peace. We can let it paint every situation we are in by acting and reacting with confidence.
We are also told to not be fearful and be courageous. You and I must step out, face what the world presents to us, and do it with courage and without fear. Knowing Almighty God is telling us to have courage confirms a source of power strong enough to face any of our situations.
This, because Jesus has commanded us.
Think about your day today. Will there be opportunities for you to close your eyes, envision the peace Jesus has for you, and wear it courageously?
Not today.
I am sure you, too, have been jolted by life. Uncertainties, stresses, and fears about what will happen next. Will you have a job? Will you have a partner? Will you be able to take care of yourself and loved ones?
Enter, Jesus.
In John 14:27, Jesus says the words humanity longs to hear. “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.” (NASB95)
Again, in John 16:33, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
These words of comfort and assurance are actionable words. These words are not passive but demand from us actions. They encourage us to not let our hearts be troubled, that means we actively embrace and apply the peace Jesus is providing. We face what the world throws at us in the assurance of Jesus’ gift. Peace. We can let it paint every situation we are in by acting and reacting with confidence.
We are also told to not be fearful and be courageous. You and I must step out, face what the world presents to us, and do it with courage and without fear. Knowing Almighty God is telling us to have courage confirms a source of power strong enough to face any of our situations.
This, because Jesus has commanded us.
Think about your day today. Will there be opportunities for you to close your eyes, envision the peace Jesus has for you, and wear it courageously?
