Reflection:
My mother-in-law is a wonderful, faithful lady. She is now in her mid-80’s and has significant health issues. Amongst other things, she’s on continuous oxygen. Whenever she goes out, she carts her little oxygen trolley with her, to the shops or to church. But when I asked her recently about her favourite Bible verse, she didn’t hesitate to tell me. She said that she repeats John 14:27 to herself, all the time, whenever she feels troubled, which is regularly. It’s a wonderful truth. Jesus told his disciples that he would give them his peace – not as the world gives peace, but his peace, something different altogether. And for this reason, we don’t need to be afraid, and our hearts don’t need to be troubled. Difficult things will happen, and do happen, but Jesus promised us his peace. He will be with us. Even when we’re old, living alone, requiring multiple medical interventions, and still managing the shopping and bills to be paid. Even then, Jesus is with us, and he will give us calm. My mother-in-law says that’s exactly what she experiences daily, as she repeats John 14 to herself. God is faithful and we can find our hope and peace in him.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you that the peace you give me is not like the world gives, and it’s not even the absence of strife, but instead the utter wonder and assurance of your presence with me, in everything, even today.