trbccoffeebreak

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

Peace. Isn’t that the essence of what we all seek? Peace of mind…knowing that we are secure. Eternally secure and also secure in the sense that we can pay our bills, have access to healthcare and can provide for those we love. Peace of heart…knowing that we are loved by God and that we love Him, and that all our important relationships are thriving.

John 14:27 is a significant promise made by Jesus after the Last Supper and before His crucifixion. The NIV translation, my usual go-to, reads: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” It is powerful because Jesus knew that His death would leave His disciples both troubled and afraid. He also knew that, later, He would provide the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them overcome their fear and gain true peace. I wonder if the fear and distress they experienced after the crucifixion helped them to later recognize and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them.

Recently, I read John 14:27 in the New Living Translation, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” This language caused me to ask myself some questions. Do I always have peace of mind? Do I always have peace of heart? Are there any ways that I am seeking peace from the world—-through my circumstances or relationships—when Jesus said that it cannot be found there? Do I recognize and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit? While my answers to these questions indicate that I am still a work in progress, I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

“Lord, your Word says that You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3). Help me to trust in You with a steadfast mind when the enemy attacks—seeking to kill, steal and destroy my peace.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life