John 14:25-27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” vs. 27

World peace has proven to be elusive. There’s a dismal rhythm in human history–devastating wars are fought, peace conferences are held, participants are hopeful, some years pass…and then we’re ready to fight again! Tens of millions of casualties in one generation are forgotten by the next–it seems we’ll never fight the “war to end all wars.” Even in our “enlightened” times there are legions who are hungry for blood to be shed. It really is a disheartening story! Those who live in Christ however, have discovered that there is another kind of peace, one that persists even in the midst of wars and the rumors of wars. Jesus talked about that peace in the context of his departure–it’s his promise to his disciples that they’ll never be alone, even when he has gone away. Billions of his disciples have found comfort in that promise through every kind of conflict and disaster. In the presence of pain, suffering, and misfortune, even when beset by diseases of the mind and body, believers have found serenity that defies logic and human understanding. It’s a peace that comes with surrender, not  of armies but of our anxieties and worries. In that moment a weight is lifted and the delicious peace of God fills our souls and calms our spirits.

Thought for the Day: How do I surrender my anxieties?