You May Have Peace

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world! –John 16.33 (CSB)

The League of Nations was the predecessor of the United Nations (UN) and was designed to help foster lasting peace and unity among the nations of the world. It was founded in 1920 and ceased operations in 1946 soon after the UN was founded a year earlier. Unfortunately, we know that this attempt to prevent war was and remains futile. With sin in the equation, the nations will rage (Psalm 46).
 
People attempt to pursue peace whatever the cost and are often left empty-handed. If we’re transparent, we might say that the peace Jesus speaks of seems elusive—always appearing within our grasps but quickly fleeting when we try to embrace it.
 
I recognize that the worries of this life can leave us beaten down and defeated. However, Jesus offers us hope: “In me,” he says, “you may have peace.” This peace is not as elusive as we like to think it. Rather, it is ours for the taking because Jesus is our peace (Eph. 2.14).
 
Though we “will have suffering in this world,” we also have perfect peace in our Lord. What is peace? It is the calm assurance amid life’s difficulties that God remains in control. Why can we have peace? Well, our King has conquered the world! He is not defeated nor in retreat. He is totally victorious—even in this moment. 
 
When the world seems to have the upper hand, Jesus is still on the throne. Since this in the case, friend, why do you worry about things you cannot control? Why wrestle with battles that are not yours, but God’s?
 
When you feel overwhelmed and confused about things in our life that cause you stress, fear, and anxiety, look up and remember that King Jesus is victorious and has conquered the world, once and for all! (Rom. 6.10)

For Reflection
What are the top three things in your life that cause you the most fear, anxiety, or concern? 
 
How does knowing that Jesus has overcome the World encourage you to trust him and release the fear, anxiety, and concern that you may have?
 
Pray
Pray and thank God that Jesus is victorious and gives us his peace.
 
Father, I thank you that in Christ I have access to your perfect peace. Help me to remember that you are my hope and my peace when the worries of this life weigh me down and make paralyze me. In Jesus’ name, amen.