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.

John 14:27

This has been a difficult, challenging, stressful year for everyone. As we adapt to losses of loved ones, jobs, remote learning, health issues, food shortages etc., one thing we didn't lose was Jesus Peace. His peace has sustained me throughout this pandemic. Financially it has been the hardest year I can remember. Yet as I looked upon the pile of bills I wasn't filled with anxiety, Jesus' peace was very present, I knew in time they would get paid, and slowly they are now.

My daughter is a nurse and works on the COVID Unit often 12-16 hour shifts. Many of her coworkers have gotten COVID. Although I am very concerned for her and my granddaughter, I have peace inside, Jesus peace, that gets me through everyday without becoming short with others or anxious. Oddly I can feel his peace and if I do start feeling upset I repeat Jesus words, "My peace I give to you my peace I leave with you.” There really is power in his word, I can feel inside a calmness taking over. Jesus gives us parts of himself, his peace, joy-a subtle joy, love and his righteousness, priceless gifts. Our hearts need not be troubled for God takes all our worries upon himself and we need not be afraid because God is with us and we can trust in our God for he will help us to endure whatever we have to go through.

Thank your Heavenly Father for Jesus, our Prince of Peace and for his gifts to us. For never leaving us or forsaking us and for taking our worries upon yourself so our hearts need not be troubled and we need not be afraid. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Photo by Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash