“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  
John 14:27
 
As I am writing this message it is very stormy, very windy and pouring rain!  It makes one think of the storms we face in life, but our verse today speaks of Jesus’ peace that is different than any that the world can even offer.  Of these storms Jesus tells us not to be troubled or afraid! Our God’s word comfort and reassures!
 
The very Godhead is the source of our peace!  
Christ is our peace as we see in our opening verse.
Then,
Philippians 4:7 tells us that,
“the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
And,
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”  (This is the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.)
 
Knowing this we can understand why Jesus is telling His disciples (and us) that we should not let our hearts be troubled or be afraid.
 
Not only in the New Testament, but we have assurance in the Old Testament as well; the promise of peace to Believers--
Peace is God’s gift:
“The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.”  Psalm 29:11
 
Abundant peace is promised:
“Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.”  Psalm 119:165
 
This peace is perfect:
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”  Isaiah 26:3    
Peace is like a river:
(Stated from the negative.)
“Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!
Then your peace would  have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”  Isaiah 48:18
 
Our opening verse (John 14:27) said, “Let not your heart be troubled and let not it be afraid.”  His words are the source of comfort! 
 
Notice John 14:1 begins with,
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”
And Vs. 18,
“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
 
Jesus then tells them,
“These things I have spoken to you, that I Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33
(The ‘these things’ are the things Jesus shared with His disciples at the ‘Last Supper.’  Read Chapters 13-16.)
 
Jesus let them know there would be storms, but He has overcome the world and they were not to lose heart or be afraid.  And neither are we!  We are His and He will keep all those that are His!  None are lost!
 
He is our Good Shepherd and He tells us,
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
John 10:27-29
 
How awesome is our God!  Our trust is in Him: Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Thank you Lord God for loving us and making us apart of Your family. We love you and with grateful hearts we humbly give You all praise, honor and glory. Amen