My peace I give you – Jesus
By Pastor Aggrey Soyekwo
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (KJV)
What is your picture and definition of true peace? To many, it’s the absence of turmoil, war, a state of perfect health, provision without lack and nothing troubling you. So it’s about a favorable external environment. But we know that in this corrupted sin laden world, such a perfect ideal environment is rarely existent. We have things all around us literally everyday, that seek to drive our joy and peace away, create fear and uncertainty in our hearts.
To God, peace (shalowm in Hebrew), among other definitions, is a quiet tranquil state in your heart and mind which results from trust in God. It is not dependent on a perfect external environment before you are at peace. It comes from inside out. The disciples were worried and troubled because their Master was going. They didn’t know how they would survive without Him in a hostile surrounding. Jesus even told them they would have trouble in the world and would suffer persecution. But He gave them His peace to sustain them.
Jesus said He gave His peace, not as the world gives. This means despite an unfavourable external environment, when everything you need to make you peaceful and happy are not in place, you can still be peaceful. He gives a kind of peace that transcends human understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). When you should be crying, troubled and worried because of what is happening or may happen around you, you instead rest and trust Him. That defeats human logic. You have come to learn that what you cannot handle, He will help you. What you can do, you do as He enables you. That is His peace, His shalowm. It is a life of rest in God. We surely need this peace in this troublesome world. Good news is, He gives it to all.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – NIV
Peace be with you children of God. Shalom
Amen