John 14:27

"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

Peace is defined as a state of tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; freedom from fear, terror, anger or anxiety; quietness of mind. Peace is that which brings to our weary body a calmness, a restfulness that enables us to successfully overcome whatever affliction, temptation or adverse condition we encounter on the sea of life.

How beautiful are the words of our Lord spoken to his disciples in John 14:27. Living below in this old sinful world with all its trouble, strife and unrest socially as well as politically would  be a miserable existence without the peace which Jesus gives reigning  in our heart. Words from one of our grand old songs says it so well: "Peace, peace; with sorrows surging around; On the bosom of Jesus naught but calm is found". I love to sing: "When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well with my soul".  When the peace Jesus gives keeps our hearts and minds, our journey will be a safe one and we have nothing to fear (Phil. 4:7).

He who could rebuke the wind and still the storm tossed sea of Galilee by simply saying "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:35-41), can surely protect and deliver you and I from any storm we encounter on our sailing toward the haven of rest we see in the distance. Things of this world, pleasure, fame, wealth, possessions, do not, yea cannot bring into our lives a lasting peace that will endure the test of time. Man with his words of praise and flattery will fall woefully short of being able to impart to us a peace that will lift the burden of a heart that is sore troubled. False religious doctrine promises a peace that it cannot give because it cannot meet the eternal need of our soul. The only peace that meets both the physical and spiritual needs is the peace that comes from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (Psalms 29:11; Psalms 23).

Love his law, keep his commandments and let the peace of God rule in your heart (Psalms 119:165; Proverbs 3:1-2).

Charles Hicks