No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace

Some years ago, this slogan was going around the internet and on social media. People were selling t-shirts with this phrase (and still are!). It is an example of a homonym, two words that sound the same but have different spelling and meaning. While it is a clever example of that, it actually contains profound Biblical truth.

Without Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we can’t experience true peace. But, in knowing Him, we can.  We have access, by the Spirit of Christ in us, to the one who is called “the prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6), and he provides a “peace that passes understanding” as it we read in:

Philippian 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I wish I could experience the peace of God more. I see others who seem to have it. But I struggle with that.” If so, be encouraged. God’s promise of peace is for all believers.  This peace is God’s antidote to our worries. But, we need to ask for it! We need to bring our requests to God and seek him in prayer. As we do so, he provides the peace we need.  Sometimes it’s just enough to make it through the day.  But, he promises to provide it. Jesus said these words to his followers, which includes us today!

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

When God gave manna to the people of Israel, he provided it daily. Each person was to gather what he needed for that day, and the manna would sustain them one day at a time. God was teaching his people to trust that he would provide for their daily needs. Each day has enough trouble of its own, and like manna, God will provide what you need to face the day’s challenges. You may not feel that you can handle tomorrow, but don’t worry about it. When tomorrow arrives, like manna, God will provide you the peace you need for that day too. Like Jesus said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34). So, be assured that the peace of God is within reach for every single believer, as we go to God in prayer, and it is exactly what we need to carry us through each and every day.