JOHN 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

TO PONDER

Whenever I think about Jesus and 'peace' at the same time, I can't help but think of the old Sunday school song, "Peace like a river". I think most of you would be familiar with it; it really only has the one line, "I've go peace like a river". The funny thing about rivers is that unless there is a severe drought, rivers flow. Water comes from rain, melted snow or some artesian spring deep under the ground and it flows down the river only to be followed by more water and more water. As long as there is water at the source of the river, there will be water further downstream.

This is how Jesus gives us peace. Not a once off, dose of peace to last you through every circumstance, but a fresh and flowing stream of peace always ready to top us up when we start to feel afraid. This is a kind of giving that the world simply can't duplicate. We might find a temporary peace or calm with our wealth, success, or reputation but all those things will one day disappear and then the only hope and peace we will have left is Jesus.

So don't let your heart be troubled and don't be afraid. Jesus promises to always be with you and give you his peace.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, sometimes it is easy to think about faith as being like a vaccine, something that we get to avoid catastrophe. A one shot, jab in the arm that we can then forget about. Help me to understand more clearly that I really need to be coming back to you every day to receive your gifts anew every morning. Amen

Today's devotion provided by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle Pastor