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Facing Fears and Anxieties with Christ’s Peace

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There are many threats to our emotional stability in today’s fast-paced society. So many people today struggle with feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and loneliness. Some struggle with guilt, worry, and a negative self-image.

The Greek word used in the New Testament for anxiety means to be distracted or divided in mind, and it means to be drawn away mentally in different directions. Anxiety is a distracting emotion. So, where do we find an answer to our fears, worries, and anxieties?

God desires to give peace to those who are troubled in heart.

We can take comfort from the fact that the same God who promised His presence and His peace to the disciples in the darkest night of their lives continues to comfort and support His children today in the same way.

We can find peace from our fears when we have complex and challenging situations by trusting God.

A drawing with the phrase "my peace I give to you" from John 14:27

VERSE FOR TODAY:

John 14:27 – “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.”

Pondering the Passage

Put yourself in the sandals of the Apostles. Jesus is hours away from His crucifixion, and He has told you—after three-plus years of constant companionship—that He is going back to the Father. Your Lord, your friend, your teacher, your protector…gone. You must carry on His work, in a hostile world, on your own.

How would you have felt? Powerless. Fearful. Daunted. Who will take care of you? How will you accomplish the task He is leaving you? What will your future be like?

The Lord did not leave them in the dark, and neither did He leave us.

John 14 overflows with promises of His help, plan, and presence. Jesus opens the chapter by assuring the men He is leaving them only to prepare a place for them in Heaven, to which He will one day come and take them (vs. 1-3). He promises answered prayer (vs. 12-14) and repeatedly mentions the necessity of obedience (vs. 15, 21-24).

Our verse falls in the context of Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. The verse just before says the Spirit will guide disciples into all truth (v. 26), while the next reaffirms Jesus’ promise to be with His people by the Spirit (v. 28). Earlier, after mentioning the Holy Spirit, Jesus says He will not leave them as orphans; He will come to them (vs. 16-18).

We have peace only because Jesus has promised to be with us, and in us, by His Spirit.

The Lord is no longer physically present on earth; He is physically in Heaven awaiting His return. But His Spirit dwells within every believer, and that promise of His personal presence is the source of our hope.

This peace is not from the world.

The world looks to favorable circumstances, lots of money, and similar things to be sources of peace. These are good things and can be blessings from God. But they are not the source of peace, security, or hope. Only God Himself is. Because He is not dependent on the world, our hope is unassailable.

This peace leads to freedom from fear.

Only as we rest in God’s promises through Christ can we know true liberty from life-dominating fear.

Our focus must be on Him, His character, and His promises, not on our circumstances. The things that you cannot control are perfectly manageable to God!

Personalizing the Passage

  • What do I need to do as a result?

Praying the Passage

Father, thank you so much for the gift of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, thank you so much that You provide us with Your peace. Thank you that You give us a new and more profound sense of peace that comes from our reconciliation with Your Father, purchased by Your death, burial, and resurrection. Thank you for the supreme remedy for all our fears. Holy Spirit, please lead us as our helper and teach us. In your Son’s matchless name, Amen.

Practicing the Passage

  • What is my specific plan? How will I do it?

Recommended Resources

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About James and Lessons for Life

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation.

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