Peace I leave you

John 14:25-29 NKJV

"These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. [26] But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. [27] 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. [28] You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I. [29] "And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.

Jesus' Will is that you and I have peace - not just any old peace - but His heart-peace which is better than worldly insight and understanding.

Having emerged from the shock and numbness of a sudden tragic loss, what's left at the end?

Strangely enough, I have the bequest that Jesus gave His followers before going to the Cross - a tranquil peace.

All week we've been wrapped in this calm misty weather which has mimicked the disposition of my soul.

Only the stark skeletal outline of winter trees have pierced the fog that hid the hills beyond our garden.

It seemed to be poetic that only our sorrowful sobs interrupted the stillness of our home.

We chose to walk along beside the eerily lulling sea, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves on the shingle.

Jesus promised to send the Comforter to come alongside us to prompt our remembrance of His Promises - I can truly witness to His gentle, soothing support in my sorrow.

Experiencing Immanuel - God with us - as a reality - moment by moment - enables us to walk through that "valley of the shadow of death" with a deep peace.

Don't ask me how people can cope without His Comforting Presence!

John 16:33 NLT

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Thank You Lord - You are so faithful to Your Word.

I recall the words of the old hymn:

"When peace like a river attends on my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, You have taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul"

Father God, enable broken hearts, by the Power of Your Holy Spirit, to overcome and receive the peace that Jesus died to give us.