Friday, December 30 – John 14:27

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

One of the first feelings we may come across when dealing with the unknown is fear. We become overwhelmed, we become anxious, and we start to worry. In a broken world, unknowns are inescapable. No matter how well we plan, hurts come when we least expect them or change our course from where we thought we were headed. This is what is so powerful about the words Jesus spoke in this verse. Our Prince of Peace reminded us that His peace would stay with us. He knows our inclination to worry about the unknowns and how we are prone to fear, and He responds by giving us peace in Him.

In Him, we have authentic peace. Peace is not something you need to chase down or find, it is a reality for those who are made alive in Christ. Having peace in Jesus changes how we look at a new year. Instead of being stressed about the unknowns or fearful of what curveballs may come your way, you can stand secure because you can have peace in all circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” What are you carrying into the new year? Are you overwhelmed when you consider what tomorrow may bring? Bring these concerns before the Prince of Peace and be transformed by Him.

• How do you feel about the new year ahead? What are you excited about? What are you nervous about?
• What are some things that cause you to fall into worry and fear? How does Christ change the way you deal with those feelings?
• Pray and tell God about your fears in the year to come and ask Him to transform your mind and heart to find peace in Him.