Dave spoke tonight from John 14:25-27, where Jesus promised to leave His peace to His disciples, ‘peace not as the world gives’. So often, the media focus seems to be on all that is negative (‘all doom and gloom’, as they say), but Jesus promised a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, a peace that is eternal and acts as an anchor.
In 2 Kings 4:17-28 we read of a woman who faced great personal tragedy when her son (whose birth was a miracle in itself!) died. She did not speak of his death to others or make funeral arrangements, but instead went to find Elisha the prophet herself. Repeatedly she told others ‘all is well’; despite the tragedy and her grief and distress, she demonstrated a trust in God which tells us something of this peace which is not dependent on circumstances.
The Hebrew word ‘shalom’, often translated ‘peace’, is far more than an absence of conflict; it indicates wholeness, wellbeing and contentment. Jesus offers us the opportunity for wholeness, but just as the Shunammite woman discovered, He does not just give us something to mask the symptoms of our pain. He is able to heal and restore.
God’s presence with us makes the difference as we journey through life. His peace is really an assurance that God is in control and therefore we need not fear, even when we do not understand what is happening or when we face suffering and personal tragedy. He gives us new opportunities and calls us to praise Him for all the good things He does, focussing our attention on His many blessings rather than on all we may feel is not right.
God has made many promises to us and calls us to hold on to these in faith, shouting ‘Shalom!’ – all is well! This peace passes understanding and cannot necessarily be explained, but is the gift of Jesus to all who believe.
