John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
The closer we get to the LORD’s coming, the more troublesome times will become. There is no doubt that we live in troubled days. Wars are breaking out everywhere to the point that one wonders about their own safety in their own country. Countries all over the world are crumbling, and then you look at your own country and wonder about its stability. There is no doubt that one could be troubled about the times in which they live.
Moreover, when you add your personal troubles to the world’s troubles, one can wonder if they will ever again experience peace. We know that God promises a peace “which passeth all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7) Yet, how do you get this peace? God shows us in this chapter how one can have peace in troubled times.
First, you must believe God. Jesus reminds us to believe God in verse 1. Peace comes from God, and you must always remember that only He can give peace. Don’t look to the vices this world offers; instead, believe God. The vices and things of this world will never give you peace. They may give you a temporary peace, but God can give you a peace which passeth all understanding. Believe God when He tells you how to live and you can find the peace in life during troubled times.
Second, remember Heaven. One thing for which I’m thankful is that God gives us the promise of Heaven. He says in verse 2, “I go to prepare a place for you.” The thought of Heaven can certainly give one hope that troubled times are only temporary. In times of death, remember Heaven. In times of turmoil, remember Heaven. If you are saved, you have the hope that in Heaven you will no longer face the troubles this life brings.
Third, look ahead. Friend, stop dwelling on the troubles you are facing and look ahead to the fact that Jesus is coming. Jesus reminds us in verse 28 that He will come again. It could be today! If you dwell on the present and what you are going through, you will not have the peace God wants you to have. The only way you can have the peace God promises is that by looking ahead. Always remember that as troubles increase, the return of Christ gets closer.
Fourth, keep your eyes on Jesus. Jesus reminded Thomas in verse 6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus said this to remind Thomas that Jesus is the only way and that he must keep his eyes focused upon Christ. Christian, don’t take your eyes off Christ. When one stays focused upon Christ, it is easy to have the peace of God. When you focus upon man, you will experience disappointment and frustration at the troubles man causes. As easy at it is to take your eyes off Christ, you must purposely stay focused on Christ to find peace in troubled times.
Certainly, everyone goes through troubled times. It is in these times when we must be reminded of these four things, for with them you can find the peace that the world will never understand. Don’t let the troubles of this world and your life cause you distress. Peace in troubled times is achievable if you will follow these four reminders.