“My circumstances may never change, but His Peace changes me.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 23, 2026
I found myself troubled, edgy, and anxious. So many things were coming at me at once. Then the Spirit burst into my life and spoke. He lifted the words right out of the story in Luke 10 and spoke them to me. As a Martha, I heard Him clearly address what was going on in my heart.
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:41-42).
He had my full attention as I turned to the next book in the Bible, where I found another word waiting for me in John 14.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
LET NOT!
Jesus Himself spoke these words. As He prepared His disciples for His imminent departure, He spoke words of love, grace, and peace. He knew the events would be frightening and that they would fear for their own lives. He knew they stood in shock and unbelief at His words. There was no way for them to comprehend that He was about to be crucified and that He would be resurrected three days later. They also could not imagine that He would no longer be with them. Instead of becoming their long-awaited King, He was about to journey to the cross.
“What do you mean, we can’t go with you? Where are you going? How will we live without you?” The questions and confusion must have compounded as the hours ticked away.
Are you standing in the middle of impossible questions begging for answers? We, like the disciples, can’t imagine that things are unfolding as they are. We never dreamed the world could really be in this condition. It is right here in the middle of all these questions that we need this powerful word from Jesus.
“LET NOT your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
But we can’t miss the preceding words.
He speaks words of peace. He wasn’t leaving them alone but was giving them His peace. Promised peace stood right there in the middle of chaotic confusion and fearful unbelief. Peace comes when the forecast doesn’t look too promising. Peace when everything seems to be falling apart. Peace amid great loss. Peace when current circumstances churn your insides.
Yet, right there, this little mini sermon shows up and shouts: “MY PEACE IS HERE!” “Let Not!”
I love how the Amplified Version puts it: “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful, intimidated, cowardly, and unsettled.” His promised peace is a gift that guards our hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:6-7)
You might ask, “How is this possible?” Simply by receiving what Jesus promised. Take the gift; it is yours. That’s what I did on that fearful, anxious day. I chose to lay down the trouble, worry, agitation, fear, intimidation, cowardice, and unsettled feelings and take hold of His peace. As I did, peace and calm settled over me.
“My circumstances may never change, but His Peace changes me.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for this precious gift of peace you have given us. Your peace. Today, we receive what you have given and choose to lay down all worry, confusion, unbelief, and fear. We stand confident in what you have promised. I don’t have to hold the answers. I don’t have to understand. I can trust the One who gave His life for me and who knows all things. Jesus, I believe You!
Application
Will you dare to trust Him and take hold of the Peace He has already given? When fear and doubt knock on the door, declare your trust in Him.
Related Reading
Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:15, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 26:3
Worship Resource
Maranatha Singers: My Peace
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