Living Peacefully

by Pastor Susan Humbert

How would you be described by those who know you well; that your pores simply ooze a sense of peace or that you worry like a warthog?  And is worry the antithesis of peace?  I don’t know yet.  “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). Great.  Jesus promised peace. I have only two questions; where is it, and how can I get it?

I have certainly grappled with fear in my lifetime, and I definitely know what it is to have a seriously troubled heart.   As I reflect back on John 14:27, I get the distinct impression that Jesus expects me to give up the fear and move beyond my troubled heart.  Is it even possible?  Perhaps I’m making it more difficult than it is.  I found one more verse that I think can help me over this hump: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  If I blend these two verses together and then unravel the basic concepts, this is what I get:

  • The world gives trouble;
  • Jesus does not give what the world gives;
  • Jesus has overcome the world;
  • Jesus gives peace;
  • Jesus is peace;
  • Be encouraged;
  • Fear? Don’t go there.
  • Troubled hearts? No need!

I feel like I’m getting somewhere.  But what about that first cousin to fear, worry, the bomb that could blow it all up?  Matthew 6:25, 27 (Jesus said) “Do not be worried about your life…and by it can add to life a single minute?” This is really good!  I think I’m ready to add this last piece to the final list, and I’m finally ready for some long-lost peace:

  • Worry? Why bother?