I’m working through updating our first devotional, 40 Days Of Spiritual Awareness. The following is from Day 33, entitled “The Peace of Jesus.”

I imagine many of those reading this are going through troublesome times. There’s a lot of sickness and disease, and maybe because I’m getting old, it seems like it comes around a lot more often in myself and those I love. Our nation is in political turmoil, always. Evil seems to be multiplying, and things might look a little unsettling if we dwell on our circumstances.

Followers of Jesus, however, have a supernatural peace that comes from a personal relationship with God through faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit lives in us, and while we don’t know how things will always turn out, we can walk through them in perfect peace.

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John 14:1,27 – Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. 

These words of Jesus, spoken just hours before He would be arrested and crucified, speak of His concern and love for the disciples, and also His care of us – the ones who would believe.  They also show that He knows just how the human heart operates! 

What does it mean to have a troubled heart?  The word means “to agitate, to cause one inward commotion, to take away calmness of mind, make restless, to render anxious or distressed.”  It can mean “to strike one’s spirit with fear or dread.”  A troubled heart is that inner conflict, often a physical sensation, that causes us to doubt and fear.

We live in a troubling world.  Our culture is accelerating in its decline, sinking deeper and deeper into immorality and depravity.  The line between good and evil, right and wrong is blurred.  We wonder how we will be able to teach our children and grandchildren what is true.  We wonder what is ahead for our nation and our world.

What is the antidote to a troubled heart?  Believe in God.  Believe in Jesus.

Did you know that Jesus experienced His own troubled heart, so that we could trade ours for His peace?  He says in John 12:27, “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I came to this hour.  Father, glorify Your name.”  Jesus’ work – His mission – His purpose in coming, purchased our peace.  Peace with God, and the peace of God for this troubling world. 

The key to accessing that peace?  Believe.

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

What is one (very important) reason we can take courage?

Jesus has overcome the world!

Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

How does Paul advise us to access the peace of God?

We go to God in prayer, believing that He hears us.

Are you troubled?  Fearful?  Anxious?  Depressed?  Experiencing the peace of God is a matter of faith.  It’s choosing to believe that His word is true, that He is who He says He is. 

After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the disciples still had to be reminded.  Jesus stood before them in a resurrected, glorified human body, and yet, they doubted.  They were still troubled. 

What does Jesus have to do for you, before you will believe, and experience the peace He offers? 

As believers, we have the answer to the world’s troubles.  Let’s act like we truly believe the message of the Resurrection.  Let’s live a life of bold and confident faith in a risen Savior, so that the world around us will see and experience the peace He offers.

Luke 24:36-38 – And while they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.”  But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit.  And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?”

A prayer for today…

Dear Jesus, I believe.  I believe Your word is true.  I believe You are the Son of God, who came to this world to live a perfect, sinless life and die on that cross for me.  Because I believe, You have saved me and accepted me as Your own.  Forgive me when I allow this world to trouble my heart and lose the peace that You died to give me.  Today, I want to walk in the confidence and peace that comes from knowing You are in control.  In Your Name, Amen.