“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27, NKJV)
There is to be found in God’s Book a great view of life … both now and in eternity! But along the road of life, there will be challenges, issues, heartaches, and heartbreaks. Jesus said there would be, so we should not be surprised when they occur. But more often than not … we are surprised!
The reasons for possessing a “troubled heart” are as varied as those who have them. It can be something that anyone of us can experience … sometimes without warning. It is not respectful of age or gender!
And it is quite frankly … no fun! The most wonderful words of encouragement and strength are to be found in the tender and reassuring words of Jesus Christ. Jesus was telling His disciples and by extrapolation you and me today that the way to deal with troubled hearts is found by looking to God, not ourselves.
Men are looking for “peace” … but too often they are looking in the wrong direction or to the wrong source. If we were asked to define what the word “peace” means … how would we define it?
It means so much more than simply the absence of trouble, distress, and the other problems that go along with living. The real meaning includes the principles of ‘prosperity, wholeness, completeness.’
When one is enjoying God’s peace, there is to be found real joy and contentment that cannot be found anywhere else. The apostle Paul by inspiration would express these truths this way: “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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6,7)
The world looks for ‘peace’ by trusting in externals, while the child of God finds His peace by being in a right relationship with Him! To be right with God means we will enjoy the peace of God.
Rather than the absence of trouble … to the Christian … peace is one of God’s wonderful gifts received as one chooses to walk with God. It is His presence, love, grace, and mercy that enables His children … in spite of any and all trials … because He is with them. (Hebrews 13:5,6)
People living by worldly sources are actually walking by sight while God’s people are “walking by faith” and depend on eternals!
John 14 is so interesting for many reasons, but the point we wish to underscore is that here in John 14:1, 27 we find the perfect example of how just a word from the Lord can calm a troubled heart. And His disciples at this particular time were truly troubled and Jesus could see into their hearts. He knew what was on their minds and in their hearts, even as He does each one of us.
Problems will not go away in our lives. Fear will stalk us like a predator. Worry will come around when we least expect it! God does not go away … and as we come to acknowledge His presence, His promises, and His revealed Word … He will enable us to trade troubled hearts for peace!
“Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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