Articles
MY FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do
not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).
While at Harding University during the late ‘70’s, I had the opportunity to sing the song,
“Peace I Leave With You,” written by one of my music professors, (I know, another Bible verse
set to music!). I thoroughly enjoyed singing the song and it has remained with me since then, so
that every time I read this passage, I am reminded of the beautiful song.
“Peace” is the rendering of the Hebrew shalom, which continues to be used as both a Jewish
greeting and a farewell address. Jesus used it as a farewell address as He prepared His apostles
for His departure. But it is more than a typical farewell. This “peace” was His parting gift to the
apostles, a peace that the world could not possibly understand (Phil. 4:7). We teach our children
a song with the verse, “...peace that passes understanding, down in my heart.”
Jesus, the prophesied Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), displayed His peace to His apostles in the
midst of a storm (Mark 4:35-41), and “in peace” gave Himself up to His opponents to be
crucified. Peace was not merely a spoken word by our Lord, but rather a life demonstrated to His
followers. A life of peace promised to those who truly believe on Him.
The peace of Jesus is far deeper and more lasting than anything this world can offer. The
peace of Jesus is independent of worldly circumstances. Even the COVID-19 threat cannot
disturb the peace Jesus offers, unless we allow it. The peace of Jesus can exist amid distress and
danger. The peace Jesus offers is a peace and tranquility that can extinguish a fearful disposition
and turmoil of the heart. We live in a troubled world of heartache, affliction, death, the ups and
downs of the economy, and a world that offers no guarantee for tomorrow. But the peace Jesus
promised His apostles and to us is a peace that conquers all of these fears and concerns. A peace
that looks beyond today and tomorrow, to a day eternal in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
And because of the peace of Jesus, I no longer have to be troubled by the things of this
world. I no longer have to fear tomorrow. This is the peace that reminds us of the assurance we
have that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39). We sing the song from
time to time, “It Is Well with My Soul.” It is one of my favorite, perhaps because it shares the
same sentiment of Jesus from years gone by, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is
well with my soul.’” Do you have this peace in your life? ~P. Mowrer
