Monday, January 17, 2011

Jesus Offers Peace

"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

The Lutheran Church, like many others, has a greet-those-around-you time shortly after the service begins. Except they don't use the common "How are you?" or "Good to see you" comments. Instead, everyone says "Peace be with you." It was a little strange to me at first, but I really like it. Those four simple words are packed with meaning.

We've all had times when we sure could use a little peace. You're waiting on medical test results and it could be cancer. Your job is being eliminated and you don't know how you'll ever get another one. You had a fight with your spouse and the anger is eating you up inside. The list goes on and on. Life is rarely an easy journey. It's filled with peaks and valleys and lots of green and brown patches in between. Sometimes it just gets to be too much.

Peace. That's what Jesus promised.  He told us He would be a safe haven from the stress and worry and struggles of this world. He didn't promise to take those things away but rather to be our refuge along that journey. We are given His strength -- His peace -- to weather whatever storm comes along. We are never alone.

"Do not be afraid," Jesus said. We belong to Him. That's the one sure thing amidst all this stuff that swirls around us. We bear His mark. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He is there. Always. Close your eyes and feel His peace wash over you. You are safe in His arms.