Finding Peace in Your Thoughts
Before we begin today, I want to ask you a question. Consider this your friendly reminder. Everyone can use a little nudge sometimes. How many of you have a will prepared for when you pass on? Raise your hand. That’s fantastic—more hands than I expected. Well done.
If you don’t have one yet, you need to. Really, it’s important. Because here’s the truth: we’re all going to face that day eventually. Welcome to Life.Church, where we keep it real but also provide a hopeful message for everyone. And you know, Jesus himself had a kind of “will.” And the best part? You’re included in it. I’ll explain more in just a moment.
That was your reminder. Now, let’s shift gears and talk about peace. How many of you have ever said, “I’d give anything for a moment of peace”? Raise your hand. If you’re joining us online, type it in the comments: “I need peace right now.” We all know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed. Crazy schedules, endless bills, a house that never seems to stay clean, meals to prepare, kids to drive around, a never-ending list of emails and texts to answer. Life can be chaotic. It’s no wonder we crave peace.
But here’s the good news: Jesus offered us a lasting peace. He actually included you in his “will.” In Romans 8, we’re told that we are heirs of God. Before Jesus went to the cross, he left three distinct “bequests.” First, he entrusted his mother to John. As he was dying, he said, “John, take care of my mom.” Second, he committed his spirit to his Father, saying, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” And third, he left us his peace. In John 14, Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” This peace isn’t like the world’s fleeting peace. It’s something deeper, stronger, and enduring.
The world offers temporary peace—quick fixes that help us cope for a moment. A drink might numb the pain for a night. A vacation might provide a brief escape. But none of these things last. They might bring relief for a time, but they don’t address the deeper longing within us. True peace, the peace Jesus offers, is different. It’s not based on external circumstances or fleeting pleasures. It’s a peace that can sustain us through life’s hardest trials and greatest uncertainties.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of this kind of peace in Isaiah 26. His world was full of turmoil—economic instability, political tension, and the constant threat of conflict. Yet, in the midst of it, Isaiah proclaimed a message of hope. This godly peace, rooted in trust and faith, is available to all who seek it. It’s a peace that transcends circumstances, calming the storm within and guiding us through life’s challenges with a sense of assurance and steady joy.
