Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV
Since the fall of Adam and Eve peace has been elusive. Sin has caused enmity between God and humanity. The hostility that exists between a sinful creation and a perfect God has affected every aspect of life. Therefore, the peace that we covet cannot come from any human being in this world. It comes from God through Jesus Christ.
In today’s text, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples and the world. The peace of Christ is not the absence of conflict, but the blessed assurance of his unfailing presence and his faithfulness. That peace is unconditional to those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. The peace of Christ transcends human understanding and gives us the courage to persevere in trials. Therefore, our hearts are not troubled in times of tribulation, and we do not live in fear because of the vicissitudes of life.
Believers walk by faith and live in the grace of Almighty God in whom we have mercy to sustain us in our times of need. Thus, we abide in the peace of Christ in whom we have redemption from our sins. Through Christ Jesus, we are reconciled with our creator and can walk in the peace of God. That peace does not exempt us from adversities. It gives us hope for tomorrow, and a testimony in our trials.
Believers who are anxious about today’s election need to be reminded of what Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Indeed, these are some troublesome times. Yet believers are not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our request be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).
During my prayer time yesterday, the Holy Spirit told me that most believers in America have more confidence in the Constitution, the political system, the economic system, and the ideal of democracy than God. Many brothers and sisters are troubled by the divisiveness and the acrimony that exist in our political system. They are worried that the inflamed rhetoric of irresponsible political leaders may lead to a civil war. These believers are praying for God to fix the political establishment and make sure the “right candidates” are elected so things can return to “normal.”
The normalcy we long for can only be guaranteed by God. No candidate can guarantee peace. No matter what happens today, there will not be peace until this nation yields to the sovereignty of God and upholds the principle of justice. How can there be peace when there are millions who go to bed hungry every night while tons of food are thrown in the garbage every day. For as long as people of African descent are treated as second-class citizens and discriminated against because of the color of their skin, there will not be peace.
Electing new leaders does not guarantee peace. It is only when we make Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives that we will have peace. As we await the result of the national election, let us examine ourselves and see if we have peace in Christ. If we do, we will be able to endure any administration and be a living witness for Christ even in tribulation.
Prayer- Blessed Lord, we surrender our fears, anxieties, and worries about today’s election to you. Please help us to abide in the peace that you so freely give.