This week we’re sharing extracts from our new Bible Study, “Reading Through John with The Devoted Collective.” Details on how to join us for this study are at the end of today’s Daily Dose.
Read: John 14:15-31
A few years ago, I found myself at the end of my rope. The constant stress and overwhelm I was experiencing was making me weary. I tried with all my might to be peace-filled. I cancelled all the things, said no often, and tried to keep my schedule light, but still the stress remained, swirling around inside me. From the depths of my bones, I wanted to live out the peace God weaves throughout the Bible. It only felt manageable, however, as long as everything else around me was calm and orderly.
I doubt I am the only one grasping aimlessly for earthly peace all the while my soul aches for heavenly peace. But it turns out we can get lost trying to achieve this with an earthly perspective, trying to maintain a facade of serenity and balance. Yet, Jesus knew the world could never give us the peace we desire. He lived in it, after all, and experienced the hardships, stress, and grief of everyday life.
In John 14:27, Jesus delivers the message to His apostles that the peace He gives is not what the world gives; it is unlike anything we can achieve or strive for within our own strength. The world tells us peace is living without strife, but we know until Jesus returns, there will always be discord in our life. Earthly peace is limited and dependent upon the state of our circumstances.
Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t leave us helpless and alone. He promises in 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (ESV). There are only two instances in all of the New Testament that the Greek word for home, monē is used and both are found in John 14 (v.2 & 23). John specifically chooses this word to remind us not only of God’s desire to create a home for us, but also of His heart to dwell and take up permanent residency within us.
Through the tender gift of the Holy Spirit, the peace Jesus is talking about in this verse is accessible to us, no matter what is happening around us. His peace dwells, abides, lodges, and makes itself at home in every believer, filling our hearts with hope, faith, and trust. We don’t have to try harder, grasp tighter, or force ourselves into such an existence—in fact, we experience true peace when we do just the opposite. God reminds us in Psalm 46:10 to, “Be still, and know that I am God!” ‘Be still’ in Hebrew means to allow ourselves to become weak, to let go, surrender, and release. When we still our souls, release our grip, and rest in the promises of the Lord, peace will flow from every ounce of our being. When we are exhibiting a peace-filled state, others around us also experience heavenly peace. They get to experience Jesus!
God met me at the end of my rope and shone His light on the lie that peace could only be experienced when my life was completely free of conflict and when I had control over everything. The truth is that the heavenly peace Jesus talks about isn’t based on our circumstances. It’s not fleeting or only attainable when everything around us is going smoothly; it is always available.
Although life on this earth is not without trials, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we are never without Jesus. He is here with us through it all, providing us with a Helper who brings us the peace we need in the midst of our troubles. And, as we relinquish the empty void of what the world offers we can receive the permanent peace only Jesus can give.
Journey through the Gospel of John with us! Starting Monday, August 3rd, we’ll walk together in community via a dedicated Facebook group as we rediscover the wonder of Jesus—the living Word who was with God from the beginning.
Using our simple Read, Reflect, Respond method, you’ll engage deeply with Scripture, be encouraged through devotionals, and apply what you learn in a practical way—growing your confidence in the truth of the gospel.
Preorder your print copy of Reading Through John with The Devoted Collective here or grab a digital copy here. Sign up here to be notified when the group opens.
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