Listen

“I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:25-27

Think

Chapters 14-17 in the Gospel of John are known as the “Farewell Discourses.” Jesus is preparing his disciples to live in the after-the-resurrection times. Here he tells them that, even though he will leave them, they will not be left alone; they will have the Holy Spirit to remind them of what he taught them. This Spirit will bring them peace.

However, the peace the Spirit brings will not be a spirit of tranquility and calm. The greatest peace that the Holy Spirit can bring in post-resurrection days is the peace of knowing that you are living a life in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. The Spirit nudges you to remember that Jesus, the very word of God incarnate, does not brook any injustice, mercilessness, or indifference. Our hearts will be less troubled, and fear will dissipate, if we cling to the love of God in Christ. This is the peace we have when we are at home in God.

Kirstin Swanson

Question to Ponder:

What troubles your heart right now, and how can the Holy Spirit guide you through that trouble?

Pray

God of untroubled hearts, bring to me the peace of your Holy Spirit, the courageous trust in Jesus, your incarnate word, that I may bring the good news of your love wherever I go, knowing that you are my home. Amen.

Go

Whatever you encounter today, remember that your home is always in God.