One of the unexpected side benefits of believing in Jesus – well, it isn’t that much of a side benefit, as a main benefit – is the peace that He puts in your heart. Maybe that sounds corny, but it’s not meant to – because it’s true.

I’m into some really deep philosophy. This, in particular, caught my eye:

Thou shalt smile and have a nice day. It frustrates the living daylights out of those who have other plans for thee.

You know what I’ve noticed? There’s a whole bunch of people out there who desperately seem to want to ruin my day. That little old lady who drives so slowly that I miss the traffic light. The brute in his big black four-wheel drive who tries to run me off the road so he can change lanes.

Come on … people out there want to rob us of our peace.

Jesus said a strange thing to his disciples at a time when He Himself was about to be crucified, and they would be scattered in fear of their own lives. He said,

John 14:27 I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.

Now had I been in His shoes … honestly, the last thing I’d have been thinking about was peace in the troubled hearts of my friends. But then, fortunately for you, I’m not Jesus.

Here’s the bottom line: The peace of God in Jesus Christ, the peace that He leaves, the peace that He gives us, is infinitely more powerful than the people around us who want to rob us of that peace.

Just stop, take a deep breath and let that truth sink in.

So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. Accept His peace from His hand.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.