March 13

Jesus knows us inside out. He should because the maker of a product always knows its proper assembly and rules for use. The manufacturer also best understands the things that might go wrong and how they can be avoided. Our Heavenly Maker gave us His Word to counsel us on how we may best attain satisfaction in the use of our mortal lives.

His step-by-step instructions are delineated in the Bible and we would be wise to follow them. One of the most essential things to living serenely while sojourning in this vale of tears was addressed by the Lord just before His crucifixion. He had spoken many words of truth to His disciples and to those who would follow them—us—and at the end of His life on earth He seemed to say, “Oh, and by the way, here’s one more thing I must share with you before I leave.”

In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you…not as the world gives do I give peace to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” He knew that His followers would be greatly unsettled by the events that were to unfold regarding His mockery of a trial and crucifixion. He also knew life would present many eventualities that could shake the faith of believers through the centuries.

He knew the anecdote to any disturbing eventuality is peace—not the peace contingent upon comfortable natural circumstances. That’s the world’s peace and it is as fickle as a summer breeze. Jesus extends the kind of peace that transcends circumstances, the kind of settled peace that quiets hearts through every manner of trial; that overcomes every fear. And He leaves it with us! It’s not extended for a moment. It’s our settled, abiding peace.