John 16:33
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
I'm pulling you in super close right now, Fearless friend. Listen to me carefully; peace is not worldly.
Do you know what the world's definition of peace is? According to merriam webster, it is:
1. state of tranquility or quiet: such as
a: freedom from civil disturbance
b: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or
custom
2.freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
3.harmony in personal relations
4. a state or period of mutual concord between governments
I don't know about you, but I don't see a ton of freedom from civil disturbance, do you? What about the continual racial tension we are facing in our world? I battle daily with oppressive thoughts and emotions. I struggle to find harmony in personal relationships. There doesn't seem to be a lot of mutual concord in our government system either. So, it appears that if you're banking on worldly peace as a prescription to anxiety-free living, then you are in big trouble!
The scriptures in Matthew 6:25-34 contains the passage that many theologians say are the nine most famous verses on worry and peace. I encourage you, even right now, to take a minute and go and read these famous scriptures.
In these scriptures above, something is compelling. Let's reread Matthew 6:32. "These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs."
What are "these things" this verse is referring to? Worry and anxiety about clothes, money, what to eat, jobs, friends, relationships, and more.
The Bible says these kinds of worries dominate the life of unbelievers. If I'm honest with myself, I know "these things" regularly dominate my thoughts. If we've put our faith, hope, and trust into Jesus Christ, then we must step up and realize that we cannot allow "these things" to steal our peace and dominate our thoughts.
Peace doesn't come by worrying about worldly things. Matthew 6:32 goes on to say, "your heavenly Father already knows all your needs." How amazing is that? He already knows our needs! I don't know about you, but I find great comfort in the God of this world having my back and knowing what I need before I ask for it.
So when Jesus says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." He is telling you that you will find peace in Him, not "these things." He is saying that there will be trouble and trials, but you can still have peace amidst it all. He is telling you that peace is not found in the world but In Him.
So what's our takeaway? How do we walk forward from these worries? Matthew 6:33 gives us the answer, "seek the Kingdom Of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
With love,
Looking for daily encouragement to seek the peace that Christ offers us and want to look at gorgeous artwork like the piece above? Take a moment and grab the Stand Fearless devotional. The Fearless team collaborated with our dear friend, and artist Megan Wilson of Newberry Squared to create a gorgeous 30-day devotional to help you get in the Word of God. This devotional is intended to help you Stand Fearless in nothing other than Jesus Christ himself. The truth is, Fearlessness is found in Jesus.
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