Peace I Leave You

To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.

Open your time by reciting these words:

Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lectio (Reading)

Take a moment to read John 14 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 

Meditatio (Meditation)

There's something about uncertainty that can shake us to our core. We're wired to crave stability, to seek out answers to the unknowns that loom over us. Yet, amid our search for security, we often find ourselves faced with more questions than answers. But what if there's a promise of peace in the midst of uncertainty? What if, there's a steady anchor we can hold onto? In John 14, Jesus speaks words that resonate deep within our souls, words that offer comfort and assurance in the face of life's uncertainties. His words aren't just a platitude or a fleeting sentiment. They're an invitation to trust—to trust in something greater than ourselves, to trust in the One who holds the universe in His hands. In this same conversation Jesus explains, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus offers Himself as the ultimate source of direction and clarity. He is the way—the path that leads us out of darkness and into light.

Take a moment to consider what you just read. Allow the words to sink in and resonate with your spirit. Consider the context of uncertainty and the promise of peace that Jesus offers. Think about times when you have felt troubled or anxious and how Jesus' words speak to those situations. Allow yourself to sit with these reflections without rushing to find answers.

Contemplatio (Contemplation)

Perhaps the most comforting promise of all comes in verse 27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus doesn't promise us a life free from trouble or uncertainty. He doesn't offer a quick fix or an escape from life's challenges. Instead, He offers something far greater—His peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace isn't dependent on our circumstances or our ability to control the world around us. It's a peace rooted in the unchanging character of God, a peace that remains steadfast in the midst of life's storms.

We often think peace comes from having everything just right—money, health, smooth relationships, a peaceful world. But Jesus flips that idea. He says real peace is found in trusting Him, not in perfect circumstances. We tend to look for peace in things going our way, but Jesus teaches us that His peace isn't fragile. It comes from a deep trust in Him, not from everything being perfect. In a world where peace feels hard to find, Jesus shows us a game-changing perspective. His company is the key to lasting peace. It's not about waiting for problems to disappear but learning to find comfort in His presence during tough times.

Take a moment to contemplate where you’re currently chasing perfect circumstances or seeking peace in the world around you. 

Actio (Action)

So how do we access this peace? How do we hold onto it when everything around us seems to be falling apart? It starts with a choice—a choice to trust, to believe, and to surrender our fears and anxieties to the One who holds the future in His hands. It's a daily decision to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and to allow His peace to guard our hearts and minds

Instead of chasing after perfect situations, we should focus on being close to Jesus. His peace isn't a temporary feeling; it's a steady reality. It's not a delicate thing that breaks easily but a strong anchor that holds us steady in life's storms. To experience this peace, we need to learn to trust Jesus more. By intentionally staying close to Him, we realize that His nearness helps calm our worries. His peace becomes the solid ground we stand on as we navigate life's challenges. With trust as our guide, we can let go of our stress and understand that His presence is our ultimate peace—constant, strong, and always there for us.

Take a moment to consider ways you can shift your focus from external circumstances to intentionally living in Jesus' presence. How could this change lead to a more enduring and resilient sense of peace in your life?

Oratio (Prayer)

Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:

Dear God, thank you for the invitation to experience a peace that goes beyond the world's fleeting tranquility. Help me, in moments of anxiety, to shift my focus from external circumstances to a deeper trust in your unchanging character and abiding presence. May I find lasting peace not in perfect situations but in the assurance that your steadfast peace is always available and resilient. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.