Day 4 — Peace

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.”

— John 14:27 (BSB)

Imagine a thunderstorm in the middle of the night. Lightning flashes, thunder booms and rain pounds on the windows. In one room, an older kid lies awake, heart racing. But in the next room, a little baby is sound asleep in her father’s arms. The storm is just as loud in both rooms. What’s the difference? The baby feels safe, because she’s being held.

That’s a picture of the peace Jesus gives.

Jesus spoke these words the night before He died. He knew His disciples were about to go through the most frightening days of their lives. He would be arrested and crucified, and they would be scared and confused. So He gave them a gift to carry with them: “My peace I give to you.”

Then He said something important: “I do not give to you as the world gives.” What kind of peace does the world give? The world’s idea of peace usually means no problems. No fights, no stress, no bad news. That kind of peace disappears the moment trouble shows up.

But Jesus’ peace is different. It doesn’t mean the storm goes away. It means you can be calm in the middle of the storm, because you know Someone is holding you.

That’s what peace really is: a quiet, steady trust that God is in control and that He loves you. It’s the opposite of a heart that’s twisted up with worry.

Where does this peace come from? Remember, it’s a fruit of the Spirit. It grows as you stay close to Jesus. When you’re worried, you can tell Him about it. When you’re scared, you can remember His promises. And little by little, His peace settles into your heart.

Jesus also said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” That means we have a part to play. When worries start swirling, we can choose to turn our thoughts back to Jesus instead of letting fear take over.

Think about it: What’s something that often makes your heart feel troubled or anxious? What would it look like to let Jesus hold you in that “storm”?

Try this: Memorize the first sentence of John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” Say it slowly the next time you feel worried.

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me Your peace, a peace the world can’t give. When storms come and my heart feels troubled, help me remember that You are holding me. Settle my heart and make me calm in You. In Your name, Amen.