What does the word "peace" mean to you? No fighting? No strife? No violence? No hunger? Financial security? Healthy life?

"Peace" can be many things to many people. What did Jesus mean when he said "peace"? He stated explicitly that his definition is not the same as the world's definition of "peace".

"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does.

Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father; for he is greater than I."

(John 14.27-28 GNB)

Jesus did not refer to a magical feeling of peace and comfort. He referred to conscious courage (do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid). And faith that although he was leaving - specifically, he was going to the Father - he would surely come back.

Peace and faith are interdependent.

"To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see." (Hebrews 11.1 GNB)

Whenever I felt I had no peace, sure enough that was the time when my faith wavered.

Lord,
please give me faith
and peace.