Peace

 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 (ESV)

Jesus's peace that He gives us isn't circumstantial. We can be at peace even in the midst of a war. Peace is a state of body, soul and spirit; not just an external thing.

I heard about an art competition where people had to paint a peaceful picture. One person did a sunny, blue skied scene with birds flying overhead. The winner painted a stormy scene but with a bird nestling its young to keep them safe.

Jesus is like a mother hen that gathers her chicks under her wings to protect them from danger. He doesn't want us troubled, even in the midst of trouble. He doesn't want us afraid, even in the midst of fearful circumstances.

If we fear the Lord, we don't need to fear anyone or anything else. He is Sovereign. In His care we're invincible until He calls us home.

'Dear Lord, we trust You to give us Your peace even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Thank You for the cross whereby we can be at peace with Father God. For Your glory, amen'.