With all the chaos in the world we could all use a little peace. For years every morning I prayed for peace from the battle instead of peace for the battle.

Jesus assures us that as His followers, “in this world we will have trouble.”

Jesus’ ministry was hardly one of peace. His days were filled with distress and disorder: He was beleaguered by His enemies and misunderstood by His family and friends. He often had no place to lay His head.

Yet there was no trace of anxiety or fretfulness in His manner. He possessed an inner calm, a quiet tranquility. This is the peace He has given us—freedom from anxiety concerning the past, present, and future. The peace He exhibited, His peace. Peace for the battle.

When the world seems to be spinning out of control Jesus offers the peace that passes all understanding.

• Peace