Ever since sin entered the world, worries and fears have been a constant struggle for mankind. Many common and rare fears have even been given special names. The fear of phobias is known as “phobophobia.” “Xanthophobia” is a fear of the color yellow. A person with an abnormal fear of cats is said to have “ailurophobia.” Have you ever been concerned that a duck or goose is watching you? This is known as “anatidaephobia.”
Situations and circumstances may bring about stress and uneasiness, but God’s peace can last through the pendulum swings of life. God does not desire for us to live in fear. As Jesus was comforting His disciples before He left the world, He told them, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Jesus went on to assure His disciples that He was preparing a place in heaven for them and that He would return.
When we focus on the cares of this world, our hearts can become troubled. Yet, Jesus offered a remedy to His disciples that is available to us as well. We have the peace of God through the Holy Spirit.
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.
John 14:27
I. Give. You. My. Peace. Of all the gifts we might receive, the greatest ones come from God. This peace cannot come to us through any source other than God. It is not just ANY peace that Jesus gives, but He gives us HIS peace. It is a peace that brings reconciliation between God and us. It is a peace that was purchased by His death and resurrection. It is the peace that calms troubled hearts and makes worries and fears subside.
The peace of Jesus grows through our dependence upon Him through life’s billows. It grows through loving obedience and surrender to Him. As we come to Him daily in prayer and the study of His Word, we learn to listen to Him and follow His lead. Christ is our hope. Heaven is our hope (John 14:28). I pray you will give Jesus your worries and fears today. May we each rest in His peace.
Love in Christ,
Adam