Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (John 20:21)

 

Not long after Jesus’ resurrection, His disciples hid in a locked room, fearing that the same people who crucified Jesus would come and arrest them. It’s in the midst of their fearful circumstances that Jesus appears to them collectively, speaking words of peace over them.

 

But He doesn’t stop there.

 

He then tells His disciples that He is sending them out into the world. This means they are going to have to leave the safety of their locked room. But although their future is unknown, they are known by the One who holds the future. So wherever they go, and whatever they face, Jesus’ words will remain true: peace will be with them.

 

And Jesus continues to offer us this same peace.

 

We will all face hardship and difficulties. We all will go through seasons where we endure intense pain caused by struggling relationships, struggling economies, and struggling health crises.

 

But God’s peace isn’t based on our feelings or circumstances, which is why it’s something we can consistently experience.

 

God’s peace sometimes feels like a calmness in the midst of an anxious situation, or hope despite a discouraging diagnosis. It might look like unexplainable joy, or an unshakeable feeling that, regardless of what happens, God is still in control.

 

When our world rages, or the doctor shares something alarming, or the news reports are terrifying, God’s peace enables us to walk forward with confident assurance that the One who gives us peace goes with us. Jesus might not remove us from difficult situations, but He will always help us walk through them.

 

Outside pressures don’t have the power to take away God’s perfect peace that’s given to us through Jesus our Savior.

 

So take a few minutes today and thank Jesus for His peace that passes all understanding. Talk to Him about any concerns or worries you’re currently experiencing, and as you give them over to Him, envision Him saying to you, “peace be with you.”

 

Amen, Hallelujah! The moment I read this devotion it brought uplifting tears to my eyes. I pray you are encouraged and filled with His peace that passes all understanding, no matter your circumstance or situation.

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!