The last two days we have seen that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He mediated peace between God and man. He is peace among those on whom his favor rest. But shalom isn’t shalom unless wholeness penetrates every level of being. Today we conclude by meditating on Jesus as the source of peace in our own hearts and minds.

From as far back as I can remember, I struggled with fear. My home was loving, and the world as I knew it was secure. Externally, I had no reason to be fearful. That didn’t stop the enemy, though. In the way only a slithery serpent can, he used every opportunity to assault my impressionable heart with lies. I joined him in his work by pairing his lies with my vivid imagination. He led me into the prison cell, but I locked it with my own hand. I was well into adulthood when I awoke to his schemes and began the process of fighting the battle of fear with applied truths from the Word. To this day, when I become apathetic or less vigilant over my heart, I don’t struggle with anger, or lust, or addiction. I slip back into fear.

Fear is a strange animal, because it has the ability to turn everything, even good or neutral things, into threats and insecurities. A fearful heart is a chaotic heart. There’s no rest for the fearful, as the saying should go.

But for Jesus, this is where we would remain. Restless, chaotic, storm-tossed.

Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, sat with His disciples in the upper room and told them everything they needed to know to endure the next 72 hours.

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Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
-John 14:27

That verse is so familiar, so pause and let the it marinate until it’s fresh again.

Jesus doesn’t give peace. He gives HIS peace. He doesn’t give like the world gives. The world always give the knock-off brand that breaks after a single use. Jesus gives the real thing. The kind of peace that costs more than we can afford. The kind that lasts. The kind that doesn’t pacify fear, but rather, destroys it. It’s the kind that surpasses our ability to understand, and yet, we experience it all the same. It’s the kind that stands guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It annihilates worry and invigorates praise.

The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippins 4:5b-6

When it was evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus. came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Jesus said again, “Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”
John 20:19, 21-22

Finally, notice how Jesus administers his peace. With his nearness.

He doesn’t ship it to us the way Amazon does. He doesn’t send it via text message or instant download.

He gives us his peace, because he gives us his presence.

The Lord is near, standing among us. Shalom is with you.

Pray: Jesus, your nearness is my peace. When my heart begins to feel overwhelmed with fear and unrest, quiet me with your presence, because you ARE my peace. Thank you for your Spirit at work in me at your bidding to minister to me your shalom.

W