Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: John 14:25-27

“²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” 

When Jesus referred to the way the world gives peace, He probably had in mind the sort of peace we experience when everything in our little corner of the world seems to be okay. When everything is working out as planned, everyone is treating us nicely, our finances are stable and our health is good, we quite naturally feel a general sense of wellbeing and peacefulness.

But, by contrast, the peace Jesus gives is far superior. Jesus’ peace is produced from within us by the Holy Spirit and is independent of circumstance. It is called “peace that passes understanding” in Philippians 4:7 because it makes no particular rational sense. Even when there are plenty of circumstantial reasons for our hearts to be troubled and afraid, Jesus promises that we can experience His peace. What a wondrous possibility this is! And it is possible because, as Jesus puts it, this is His peace. He says, “My peace I give to you.” It is His work within us, and it’s His gift to us.

Thank You Jesus for the promise of Your perfect peace. Please still my troubled heart and establish me firmly in a state of Your peace, tranquillity and serenity to last me through the day. Amen.