By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

True Peace in Jesus

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“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 English Standard Version

Everyone needs peace in their life.  In the midst of wars and conflict and violence, the world is screaming for peace.  Songs and protests and whole movements are devoted to bringing about peace.

But what is true peace?  Does peace mean that there is no poverty and no war and everyone has good health care and plenty to eat?  Or does peace mean something much deeper, an inner peace and calm even in the midst of conflict and war and poverty?  And how can that kind of inner peace be achieved?

My friend Terry received a couple of gifts at a white elephant gift exchange that exhibit two attempts to find inner peace; a set of whiskey shot glasses and a miniature Zen garden.  Some try to find inner peace by numbing themselves with drugs or alcohol and some try to find peace by Eastern meditation.

Our Lord Jesus has a different and lasting solution.  He tells His disciples on the night before He was crucified that they could have true peace even in the midst of His death. The peace of Jesus comes from trusting God and His promises, even in the midst of suffering and loss.  Because Jesus bore our sins on the cross we are forgiven and set right with God.  We no longer have to fear separation from God nor the devil’s attacks.  We have a peace in Jesus that transcends suffering.  And in His resurrection from the dead we no longer have to fear death.  In Jesus we have eternal life and can let go of our fears and anxiety.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that I can find true inner peace in you.  I trust you for my salvation and my forgiveness and my peace.  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado