Peace Beyond Understanding - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 17, 2024
"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)
A few months ago, I found myself facing a major life transition—a new job opportunity that came with a lot of uncertainty and pressure. While I knew my time teaching was up, and my time to embrace full-time authorship was full speed ahead, I was apprehensive. Anxiety was a weight on my chest, and a multitude of thoughts consumed me. The night before I resigned, I remember tossing and turning in my bed. My mind raced with worries about whether I was making the right choice, if I could really do this, and what would happen if things didn't work out.
In the wee morning hours before school started, I prayed that God's will would be done and that my words would be received well. John 14:27 resounded in my mind: "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" (ESV).
Jesus' words about a peace that surpasses understanding resonated deeply with me. And yet, they still felt out of reach. I surrendered my thoughts and fears to God, took a deep breath, and drove to school. I'm still convinced that I shook all day.
At the end of the day, my boss walked in and the words tumbled out. Gradually, I felt a sense of peace wash over me—not because the conversation was easy, or because my boss was supportive and understanding, but because I knew God was with me. This was His calling, and I had to obey. Obedience in the face of fear brought abundant joy and peace.
While the path to authorship since this moment hasn't always been easy, this transition has reminded me that true peace doesn't depend on our circumstances but on our relationship with Jesus. It's a relationship that surpasses casual intimacy and exchanges it for a deep, sold-out, steadfast, and true partnership with my Lord and Savior.
Just as Jesus promised peace to His disciples in a time of uncertainty and impending change, He offers the same to us today. As we explore this verse, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you can embrace God's peace even amidst life's greatest storms and transitions.
By definition, the peace Jesus offers us is profoundly different than the world's. It's ever-lasting, eternal, and beyond all imagination. The etymology for the word peace comes from eirēnē, meaning a state of national tranquility. Strong's Concordance furthers this definition to mean exempt from the rage and havoc of war, peace between individuals (harmony, concord), security, safety, prosperity (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous), of the Messiah's peace (a way that leads to salvation), and the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ.
Finding peace is finding quietness, rest, or stillness within. It's to pursue something through Christ within us. The peace that Christ offers us is only possible to those who have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. It's a peace that transcends how we feel (heart) and what we think (mind). This is why Philippians 4:7 (NIV) reminds us it's Christ who protects our peace: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
While the nature of Jesus' peace is offered to us, it's also our responsibility to recognize what we believe and think about that peace. Proverbs 4:23 tells us that our heart is the wellspring of life. It's of the utmost importance that we protect ourselves so we can receive this peace.
One distinction about this peace that is often forgotten is that peace is sometimes found in the presence of chaos. Take the disciples, for example. Jesus had told His disciples that His time with them was almost over. Not only had He prophesied His death but His betrayal. Yet, when Jesus' time was almost over, He sought to reassure and comfort them.
Jesus essentially told His disciples, "Many of you will abandon me, many of you will fall away, but I'm leaving you with a gift. It's better for you that I go. This is for your best interest, not mine" (John 16:7, paraphrased). Jesus' promise of peace was especially relevant in an immense time of fear, anxiety, and change.
Many Christians are mistaken that peace is only found in the absence of chaos. But the true and everlasting peace Jesus speaks of is magnified in the presence of turmoil, destruction, and pain—not because Jesus wants us to experience these treacherous realities, but because amid them, His peace is found.
Today, I'd like to encourage you to accept Jesus' peace in your life. Worry, doubt, fear, and external circumstances are often beyond our control. As I've discussed in previous posts, God has not given us a Spirit of cowardice (2 Timothy 1:7), but fear, anxiety, and worry are normal emotions in this life. Jesus knows that you will still encounter those feelings from time to time. And He isn't disappointed in you. He's extending a loving arm, saying, "Dear child, I love you, I see you, and I care."
Living in the peace of Christ is a practice required of all of us. Here are some practical applications:
-Engage in daily practices to cultivate peace, such as prayer, meditating on Scripture, and gratitude.
-Be honest with God and yourself when you struggle to experience His peace. As someone who struggles with clinical anxiety and depression, grasping God's peace can feel foreign. I want you to know that sometimes, God's peace comes through the medication, therapy, coping skills, and doctors He's blessed us with. You don't need to feel ashamed for engaging in those things. You never know what God might use to speak His peace over you.
Friends, Jesus' peace is a gift that comes from God. It's a gift to everyone and available to all who choose to follow Him. This week, I encourage you to reflect on the areas where you need to experience God's peace. Then, try putting one of the practical action steps into practice.
Let's pray:
Dear God, I pray that every person reading this will receive peace in their hearts and minds. Though we may still experience worry, fear, and anxiety, God, you can speak peace into our circumstances. Obtaining your peace isn't with the absence of fear but often found in its presence. We love and praise you, Lord. Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jevtic
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
