While Jesus was still with His disciples, he told them that when the Father sent the Advocate as His representative, that it was going to be the Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit would teach them everything and remind them of everything that Jesus had said to them. In addition to the Holy Spirit, He also told them that he was leaving them with a gift that was peace of mind and heart, which could only be given to them by Him and not the world. Lastly, He reminded them to not be troubled or afraid.

Today, it is hard to not be troubled or afraid. With everything that goes on in our personal lives and in the world around us, it is hard to not worry. Thankfully, those of us who know Jesus and recognize Him as Lord, have received His gift of peace in our minds and hearts. When we are desperate for comfort, answers, reassurance, and certainty, we sometimes look for all of that in the world instead of in Him. While it is good to seek help from other Christian sources, we have to remember that all of our needs can be met in Him; in His word! In John 16:33, Jesus says, “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.” Jesus does not say that life will be easy. Instead, he tells us that life will be hard and that we will struggle. But He does not just leave us there to face life alone. We can take heart because He has overcome the world! 

Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the special gift of Your peace, now please help me receive it and move forward confidently in You. Please take my troubles and anxieties and help me rest knowing that you have already won the battle that I am facing and that You have overcome the world. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. John 14:27 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B.