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 – John 14:27
There is a well known story told about a rich man who was looking for an artist who could best illustrate the presence of peace. There were two paintings which caught his attention. One is the painting of a calm lake surrounded by lush green mountains. The second one is also a painting of a lake surrounded by mountains but strong winds had whipped the lake into tempest, and dark clouds have surrounded the landscape ready to release a downpour. But near the lake is a tree where there is a small nest on which a mother bird sat upon tiny blue eggs. Which one would you choose to depict the real picture of peace?
The first painting depicts world’s peace as it can be best described as the absence of conflict and so, it is temporary. Worldly peace is empty and volatile as it is completely linked to circumstances.
In contrast, the second painting depicts God’s true, perfect peace because it is within the storms of life, we can experience real peace tucked into the side of God and holding on to His presence. Jesus is always there with us to guard and protect us even in the midst of the fiercest storms we may be facing today! Hold on to Jesus!
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33