John 14:27
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.
(Translation: ESV)
Explanation
εἰρήνη (i-rain-ay), i.e. שלום (Shalom) means “peace,” the ordinary salutation and the ordinary word of farewell in the East. This is a staying and permanent word. It's Jesus saying that my perfect peace will remain and stay with you. And, because of that peace, you ought not to allow your heart to be troubled.
Inspiration
It's not like we can allow or disallow our hearts to be troubled. And yet, there is something about determination to live with our hearts aligned in the peace of Christ that helps us. Where might you be disallowing peace to rule? Have you strayed from living in or living out of the peace of Christ?
Application for Today
- Allow yourself to sit with your troubles for a moment and then invite the peace of Christ to be the ruling thought. If it helps, speak it out loud and declare Jesus' peace is above it all. We are not ignoring our emotions, but bringing them in line with Jesus.
Prayer
Father God,Help me to remain in your peace, refrain from allowing my troubles to overcome me, and to be confident in your lasting peace. Guide me, deliver me, sustain me.In Jesus' name, Amen.
