“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.” John 14:27 ESV
My friend and I have been doing a Bible Study on the Armor of God and recently discussed the peace we receive as followers of Christ. We both know this peace; we’ve experienced it, but it was so difficult to put into words! You’d think it’d be easy to describe something so beautiful and simple, yet, I believe it’s because this peace is so pure and lovely that it’s hard to explain. I never knew what real peace felt like until I met Jesus, or rather, when Jesus came to me. I grew up knowing about God. I was baptized. I went to church every Sunday, the whole shebang. But it wasn’t until I was broken, when my eyes were opened to the truth, that I found true peace.
The peace Jesus gives cannot be explained. It is calm when the world is chaos; it is light when only darkness surrounds you; it is hope when all else seems to fail. His peace consumes you from the inside out in a way that can never be replaced or destroyed. His peace outweighs any fear, worry, or anxiety. It keeps you firmly on your feet, and it’s available to everyone.
Some would describe peace as a feeling that comes after hardships and chaos. But this peace is different. This peace appears and stays when everything seems to be falling apart, peace in the midst of chaos. Alas, because of the light Jesus is, we can still smile and persevere. There are no words in any of the dictionaries around the world that can fully explain the peace God gives because it is something only He can provide. But it is there, a light and warmth almost tangible enough to touch with your fingers.
Only Jesus can give true peace, and I am grateful beyond words to have been able to experience it and continue to.
“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
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