In my little circle, we’re all stressed out right now. We’re all anxious about a friend’s health. We’re all worried about projects getting done on time. We’re all uneasy about the state of the world. And Jesus says not to let our hearts be troubled?! (John 14:1).
Yes, he is. And he says it again, even stronger, just a few verses later: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (14:27).
This kind of peace doesn’t mean that all the worrisome things outside of us are changed – it doesn’t mean that suddenly our friends are all healthy and our computers are all cooperating and our world leaders are all a whole lot wiser. No, it means that we are changed. Our hearts are changed. We know, deep in our hearts, that in the end, everything will be all right. And with this kind of peace in our hearts, we can trust and love and serve and give with joy and hope and generosity.
This message is excerpted from “Peace. Pass it on.” by Audrey Novak Riley from the June 28, 2017, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is the Fifth Sunday of Easter.
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