Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not
let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
This is one of my favorite passages from the Bible. The words spoken by
Jesus as he approached the cross leave a simple, yet beautiful, assurance of everlasting
peace for each and every one of us.
Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension to be with the Father in
Heaven are together the promise fulfilled: the Holy Spirit will always be with us. What a
comforting message for Christians as we live out our lives on earth.
I frequently remembered these words of Christ when I fished Lake Wilson
prior to moving to Wichita in 1990. Fishing for walleye on Lake Wilson, particularly
during the spring of the year, was one of my favorite pastimes. I was often alone in my
boat at sunrise. I enjoyed the intimacy with nature and with my Lord as I fished.
Christ’s words of peaceful assurance have stayed with me during
the choppy and troubled waters of my life. Christ’s words of peace continue to
comfort me through the challenges I face today.
God’s promise of peace has been fulfilled through Jesus and the
ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit. We are asked to trust God so that our hearts are not
troubled and so that we are not afraid. Our faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is
our promise of eternal life with our Creator. This is something the world can never
give us.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending your Son to us so
that we may have peace through your Holy Spirit. Strengthen our faith during this Lenten
season so that we may truly enjoy the peace you leave with us.
