I woke up extra early this morning (as I often do when I need to pray for someone) with several friends who are going through HUGE trials in their life right now on my mind. As I prayed for them I kept thinking of the word PEACE and praying that specifically that would feel God’s peace as they travel the crazy difficult paths ahead of them. I started looking up some of my favorite verses on peace and one of my all time favorites is John 14:27. In this verse Jesus says…… "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." When I think about how Jesus spoke these words just hours before He was beaten and crucified- it brings me to tears. To think that He was so concerned for the peace and joy and the faith of His followers is absolutely precious. Instead of worrying about himself, His focus was on us. These words are a reminder that the only way for us to get peace- true peace- is through Him. A peace that comes from looking up and turning to Him. A peace that is not circumstantial (because He promises it in the middle of trouble). His peace is a promise that is true on the best of your days and on the worst of your days. Peace is not the absence of trouble. It is the presence of Christ in the midst of that trouble. My prayer today is that no matter what you are facing, His peace, peace that can ONLY come from Him, would flood your mind and your heart.