To Have Peace, Take Courage

In the verses before, John16:16-33, at Jesus’ death there will be grief, but only

for a little while. With the resurrection will come lasting joy. The trouble is a given and

this wonder is not that God permits us to have troubles, but that He gives us peace in

those troubles. How do these words speak to you? For each of us, it might be

something different, though always God is speaking love to us.

As a caretaker, can we discern that having peace with limitations is a life-long

process, heightened when we are older? It needs courage to approach our limitations

as if they were friends, so we can explore their possible gifts. Our energy is a valuable

resource that needs to be allocated. Pacing is key. Getting exhausted can be a

constant companion and lead to us losing our peace easily. Do we give ourselves credit

for being human? When have you been courageous or stronger than you thought you

could be?

We are promised Jesus’ own unshakable peace will be ours in John 14:27,

“Peace I leave with you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts

be troubled or afraid.” In chapter 14, the Holy Spirit is ‘with’ and ‘in’ us as an every-

present resource. He teaches us all we need to know to respond to Jesus daily and He

gives us an inner peace that is independent or our circumstances (vv. 26-27) The

Spirit’s presence makes it possible for us to choose not to be troubled or fearful. He is

the unbreakable link of our living relationship with the Lord.

Another passage from the Old Testament, Isaiah 54:10, “Though the mountains

fall away and the hills be shaken, My love shall never fall away from you, nor My

covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” This covenant of

peace and love reminds us that as we are God’s own, we are safe and secure. The

next Isaiah words of comfort emphasize God’s commitment to strengthen and help His

people, while not specifically mentioning peace. Isaah 41:10, “Do not fear, I am with

you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold

you with My victorious right hand.” With the Lord, we have nothing to fear!

May the Scriptures above give you strength and courage during the day. Psalm 4

is a prayer for the night. Trust in God sets mind and body at rest. Psalm 4:8-9, “But

You have given my heart more joy than they have when grain and wine abound. In

peace I will lie down and fall asleep, for You alone, Lord, make me secure.” A good

description of joy and peace, which is unshakable. Keeping our eyes on the Lord, not

the troubles, maintains our peace, while receiving courage from the word of God!