John 14:27

“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.”

I came across this verse today and the first thing that popped into my head was a friend of mine who was blessed with a peace of mind and heart. I didn’t fully understand how he could have been so fine with his parents divorcing and that made me a little upset. He should have at least been upset with his dad with the way he was treating the rest of the family. But no. My friend said “I can’t really explain it any other way. God is giving me an unfathomable peace. I forgive my dad with a loving heart. And I feel really good about it.”

Two years later, his parents were officially divorced. My friend, his brother, and his mom moved out and found another place to live. God was watching over them and gave them so many people to help them through a difficult and altering time. One year after that, he shared his testimony and how that change had a big effect on his heart. If he didn’t choose to forgive his dad, He wouldn’t be the soft, lovable, kind heart man he is today. I bet you he would be angry, slanderous, rude; just qualities and characteristics that aren’t as attractive.

This verse, Jesus tells us He’s leaving but he is leaving us with a gift. It’s up to us to accept it, wouldn’t you want something that no one else, nothing else, could give? Something that would make your worries disappear. Peace is such a magnificent gift! Remember when you were in high school and you had to carry all your 10 pound text books around campus? My school had no lockers for the students to put their books and bags in, we had to carry them everywhere. Peace is a feeling where you have been lifted of the weight, all the stress and tension is gone. God can give us that exact feeling, with anything, whether it be big like forgiving someone, or small like a heavy textbook.

God Gives Us Peace!

Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for the example of my friend who didn’t let his worldly worries get the better of him. Thank you for giving us peace of mind and heart when we are struggling. Please show us how to accept that gift and to use our peace to lead others in Your direction. Thank you for loving us so much to even provide such a miraculous gift that world cannot give.

Amen.

Mer †