THE SET UP: My favorite American president is Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. I’ve always liked his “walk softly but carry a big stick” approach to life and leadership. Roosevelt overcame a lot of health challenges as a sickly child to become an outdoorsman, soldier, and ultimately the president of the United States.
Long before Roosevelt became president, he served as the Undersecretary of the Navy. In that role, he was a big advocate for increasing the size and strength of our naval forces. Many people were turned off by his position and accused him of being a warmonger. They feared that a large navy would be an encouragement to go to war. Roosevelt saw it completely differently. He said, “A good navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace.” In other words, a strong navy would prevent other nations from wanting to go to war with America.
In the same way, we can experience peace in our lives because of Christ. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “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.” In the middle of many trials and sorrows (life), we can take heart and experience peace in Him. Why? Because like an overwhelming military force, he has already won the battle. Jesus overcame the world through his death and resurrection, as a result, anything we face, anything we go through, has already been defeated. We can find peace in Christ because the battle has already been won.
PASSAGES TO READ: John 16:25-33
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
What is the biggest threat to your personal peace?
What do you think it means to “find your peace in Jesus”?
How does knowing that Jesus has overcome the world help you to find peace?
PRAYER IDEA: “Jesus, I pray that today you would help me to find peace in you no matter what the day may hold. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that you have already overcome this situation and that I can trust you. I give my day to you, the ups and the downs, and I ask for your peace in every circumstance. In your name, I pray, amen.”