"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).
I spend time on Twitter and Facebook, and I notice that people frequently post that they plan to take a "social media break."
Why? Generally, the reason people give is that they feel overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of news about what is happening around the world. The level of violence, conflict, chaos, pain, suffering and constant tragedy can take an enormous toll on people's hearts and minds.
In addition to the world's problems, many also carry the constant pressure of worry and anxiety about kids, marriage, health and even financial responsibilities. The weight of personal problems can feel too heavy to carry.
In the middle of all that is wrong in the world and upside down in our daily lives, perhaps the reassurance we all need to hear is contained in the angels' declaration to the shepherds at Christmas many years ago: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14, NIV).
God saw our distress and spiritual alienation and sent Jesus to save us from our sin and separation. Through Jesus, we can be at peace with God right now.
Jesus also promised to send the Comforter—the Holy Spirit—to be in us and with us at all times. In John 14:26-27 (MEV), Jesus told His disciples: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. 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."
The peace Jesus said the Holy Spirit would bring will hold you when the bottom falls out, when the wheels come off the bus and when you feel like you cannot survive another moment. God's peace will sustain you. It is a peace that is unshakable.
Beyond the peace we can experience with God, and the peace He gives us to face a tumultuous world today, God also promises that when Jesus returns to earth He will bring complete and total peace to the whole world. Knowing God is going to bring peace on earth someday gives us incredible reasons to be hopeful about the future! The day is coming when Jesus will return, and He will bring peace on earth that will last forever. Oh, what an amazing day that will be!
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). 
Kay Warren co-founded Saddleback Church with her husband, Rick Warren, in Lake Forest, California, in 1980. She is a passionate Bible teacher and tireless advocate for those living with mental illness and suicide prevention following the death of her son, Matthew, on April 5, 2013. She founded Saddleback's Hope for Mental Health Initiative as well as the HIV&AIDS Initiative. She is a board member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Kay is the author of Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor's Wife, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough, Say Yes to God: A Call to Courageous Surrender and co-author of "Foundations," a popular systematic theology course used by churches worldwide.
For the original article, visit pastors.com.
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