Why Jesus Gives Us Peace When We're Scared

Hey, carpool crew. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here today. Let me ask you something. Have you ever felt your heart start beating really fast when you got nervous or scared? Maybe you had to talk in front of the class, or go somewhere new, or sleep in the dark. That can get scary. We all get scared sometimes, but here's the good news. Jesus understands that feeling and he promises something special when we're afraid. Peace. That's what we're talking about this whole week as we're in week two of Advent. Our verse today is from John chapter 14, verse 27. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful. When Jesus said these words, he was talking to his friends right before he went to the cross. They were scared, really scared, because they didn't know what was gonna happen next. But Jesus looked at them and said, my peace I give you. He wanted them to know that no matter what was coming, his peace would stay with them forever. If Jesus were sitting next to you today and you said, I'm scared, I think he'd gently say, I know, but I'm here for you. My peace is stronger than your fear. You don't have to face it alone. Jesus's peace isn't like the kind of peace we get from a quiet room or a calm day. It's bigger than that. It's the kind of peace that stays, even when life feels loud, messy, or uncertain. One night my son told me he was scared to go to bed alone, so we prayed together, asking Jesus to fill his heart with peace. After that, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes. I sat down next to him by the bed and said, okay, I think you can do it. I held his hand as he drifted off to sleep. That's what Jesus's peace does. It gives us courage when we feel small and calm when everything feels big. So how can you live this out? First, if you get nervous or scared, stop for just a moment and whisper a prayer. Jesus, please fill my heart with your peace. Then take a deep breath and remember, you're not alone. Jesus is right there with you. Second, go to a parent, go to a teacher you trust, go to someone that you know you can share how you're feeling with, because even when we are feeling alone, or we're feeling sad, or we're feeling like things are just really hard, others' peace can help remind us of the peace Jesus brings. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Now, before you go, answer this question together. What helps you remember that Jesus is with you even when you feel afraid? Subscribers, I'll see you tomorrow, and everyone else, I'll see you on Monday as we kick off a new week of carpooling with Jesus.