Since He has given us peace, Jesus can say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” “Troubled” means being unsettled and stirred up inside, being anxious. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We can have trouble outside but we do not need to feel trouble inside.
“Afraid” means not wanting to go on, being so fearful that you are like a soldier wanting to run away from the battle.
We all feel trouble and fear sometimes, but Jesus loves us so much that He has come to free us from them. How?
“My peace I leave with you.” “Leave” here is used in the sense of being left in a will. Peace is our inheritance that Jesus gave us when He died for us – both peace with God and peace in our hearts and minds. It is His will for us to experience peace. Peace is not an extra thing that only special Christians have, peace is the inheritance of every single Christian.
So, if we have lost peace, what do we do?
First, fix your eyes on the Lord. John 14:1, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Trust in the Lord. See how great and awesome He is and what He has done for you.
Secondly, confess. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you…” It is His desire that we grow in holiness, so when we are troubled in our hearts and minds because of sin, tell Him about your sins, confess to Him, and your experience of peace will be restored.
Thirdly, pray and thank Him. Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Brothers and sisters, peace is part of your inheritance from Jesus. Don’t let the enemy rob you from what is yours.
“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (1 Peter 1:2)
The best is yet to come 