Our Daily Bread: Lead Like the ShepherdSample

Finding Peace

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. -John 14:27

Simon, who leads a group of twenty paramedics, loves that he can support his team as they deal with the pressures of their jobs and everyday lives.

Each morning before he enters his ambulance station, he pauses in his car and asks God to help him through the day. “Immediately I feel His peace, which gives me joy to then serve His people.”

Simon asks God to give him the opportunities and wisdom to encourage his colleagues and to let them know “that true peace only comes from God.”

Jesus promised His friends this peace as He prepared them for His approaching death and resurrection. He said He wouldn’t leave them, but would come to them (John 14:18), and He would send the Advocate—the Holy Spirit—to teach them everything (v. 26).

He also promised the gift of peace: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (v. 27).

Through the Spirit, Jesus gives this peace to Simon the paramedic who works under extremely stressful situations.

And He promises this gift to you and to me.

We need only to follow Simon’s example and stop and pray, asking God for His help and care. We can release our troubles to Him, for we know that He’s with us and those we lead.

Amy Boucher Pye

When has God answered your prayers for peace and comfort? For what situations can you turn to Him today for guidance and assurance?

Dear God, You’re the source of all peace. Help me to embrace Your love as I give You my cares, worries, and troubles.