God in Times of Sorrow

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. ~ John 14:27
Only a suffering God can help. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
When Jesus gave his disciples these words, it was the night before he would go to the cross. It was the last night that they would all be together on this side of death and resurrection.

 So when Jesus offers his peace, he does so at a time when he very likely was struggling with peace himself. When his heart very likely was troubled also. 

 When he was about to ask that the cup be taken from him.

 And yet, it is only through Jesus' suffering and death that we have a God who can fully comprehend our own.

 Our suffering is not mysterious to God. God knows our suffering intimately.

 And in the midst of it, offers peace.

 Not peace that the world gives. But a deep abiding peace that walks through the valley of the shadow of death - a death that does not and will not have the last word.
Prayer: Lord, please give me your peace. Amen

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