by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 (ESV)
This week, I painted a simple garden scene beneath the branches of an old tree hangs an empty swing. There are no children laughing, no birds perched on the ropes, and no movement except what I imagine the breeze might provide. The longer I looked at the painting, the more I realized the swing wasn’t empty at all. It was an invitation.
Our world is remarkably loud, and every notification demands our attention. Every headline competes for our thoughts. Every responsibility whispers that we should hurry just a little faster, and before long, our minds become crowded, and our hearts become weary.
Then Jesus speaks.
“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
What an extraordinary invitation.
Jesus never promised a life without storms. He never said we would avoid grief, disappointment, or uncertainty. Instead, He promised something far greater—His presence and His peace in the middle of those storms.
That kind of peace cannot be manufactured; it isn’t found in a perfectly organized schedule, financial security, or favorable circumstances. The peace of Christ is the settled confidence that He remains faithful even when life feels unsteady.
As I painted the swing, I imagined it waiting beneath the shade of the tree, almost as if Jesus were saying, “Come sit with Me for a while.” The invitation comes not because He needs our company, but because we desperately need His. The world tells us to keep striving, yet Christ invites us to abide.
I’ve discovered that some of my sweetest moments with the Lord don’t happen in crowded rooms or on busy stages. They happen quietly, with an open Bible, watercolor paints nearby, worship music playing softly, and enough silence to hear the Shepherd’s voice.
Perhaps that’s why I left the swing empty.
There’s room for you there with Jesus.
If your heart has been anxious, if your mind has been racing, or if you’ve been carrying burdens that were never yours to carry, Jesus still extends the same invitation He offered His disciples. Don’t let your heart be troubled. Come and rest. Trust the One who is already holding tomorrow.
Sometimes the most beautiful act of faith is simply sitting still long enough to receive the peace He has already promised.
Today, I pray you’ll find your own quiet place beneath the shelter of His presence.
Jesus is our perfect peace!
Scripture Study
Read John 14:27 and Isaiah 26:3. Notice that God’s peace isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances because it flows from trusting Him and keeping our minds fixed on Him.
Challenge
Find fifteen uninterrupted minutes today. Put away your phone, open your Bible, and sit quietly with the Lord. Resist the urge to fill the silence. Let Him remind you that His peace is a gift to be received, not something you have to earn.
Prayer
Father, thank You for inviting me to rest in Your presence. Forgive me for allowing worry to speak louder than Your promises. Teach me to quiet my heart, trust Your faithfulness, and receive the peace that only You can give. Keep my mind fixed on You, and let my life reflect the calm confidence that comes from walking closely with Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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