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NIV is used unless otherwise noted.



The Source of Peace


I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33


I have friends who love to scuba dive. They put on their scuba gear and plunge into the world of the sea. Man is not innately equipped to thrive in the sea; however, with the right equipment it is possible to breathe, explore and discover fascinating things God has created. As these friends scuba dive, they are in the sea; but, certainly, they are not of the sea.

We believers are in the world, but we are not of the world. Each believer has become a new creation in Christ. The Holy Spirit within us increasingly transforms our thoughts and ways to those of Jesus. We, therefore, increasingly turn from the beliefs and patterns of the world, which are contrary to the ways of God. The world and its ways become distasteful. Instead, we desire to follow Jesus.

Man cannot thrive in the sea unaided, nor can a believer thrive in this world on his own. However, we are never alone. Even as my friends breathe and move underwater in their scuba gear, so you and I while in this world breathe and move in Jesus. In him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).   

Our peace is found in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, our sin was removed. Ephesians 2:14 explains that the barrier that separates us from God was torn down, and we have peace with God forever!

Yet, Jesus said in John 16:33 …In Me you may have peace. Here He is talking about a present peace we experience, even amidst trials and disappointments. This peace comes through close fellowship with Jesus. Amazing peace isn’t that which is present when life is going smoothly, but that which is present when chaos abounds. This is the peace that transcends all understanding. Jesus is our Source of true inner peace.

Believer, are you experiencing the peace of God today in your present circumstance?

Praise to You, Jesus, our Source of Peace! May the peace of God that transcends all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!


Jan Burkhart
Posted by encouraging.com
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