“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.” (John 14:27, NIV)

In our final sermon of the series, we circle back to the essence of overcoming fear: the peace of Christ. John 14:27 is a tender, soothing reassurance from Jesus to His disciples, and to us, as we navigate through life’s storms. It offers a peace that is unique, divine, and serves as an antidote to our fears.

In our world today, peace is often tied to circumstances. We feel peaceful when everything is going as planned, when we’re in good health, when our relationships are smooth, when our bank accounts are healthy. But Jesus introduces a different kind of peace – His peace – that is not contingent upon any external circumstances.

Jesus does not promise the absence of storms, but He promises His peace in the midst of them. He assures us that His peace is not given as the world gives, which is fickle and short-lived, dependent on circumstances. Instead, His peace is stable, unchanging, and everlasting. It has the power to calm troubled hearts and dispel fear.

The key to experiencing this peace lies in our relationship with Christ. As we cultivate intimacy with Him through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word, we open our hearts to receive His peace. We start to view our circumstances through His perspective, and that’s when fear loses its grip on us. Fear is replaced by faith, and turmoil gives way to tranquillity.

In a world often riddled with fear, worry, and anxiety, the peace of Christ is our stronghold. Let’s continue to seek Him, rely on Him, and rest in His promises.

Wonder in the Word

How have you experienced the peace of Christ in your life? In what areas do you need His peace to overcome fear, and how can you seek His peace in your daily life?