Peace is a Person

Have you ever felt like you were running on empty—out of energy, full of fear, or simply worn out? Do you ever feel sick and tired of being sick and tired?

You’re not alone. After Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers were heartbroken. They felt defeated. They hid behind locked doors, afraid of the same Jewish leaders who had condemned Jesus. They were discouraged, and in every way, they were running on empty.

But three days later, everything changed. On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead—and that evening, something remarkable happened:

“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!” (John 20:19-20 NLT)

What changed? Jesus’ presence changed everything.

The person, Jesus, made all the difference. HE brought the joy. Not the disciples ideologies. Not their religious morals… Jesus, himself.

And, the presence of Jesus is what will change everything in your life, too. If you want to go from empty to overflowing, you don’t need religion… you need a relationship with Christ. You need more of God’s presence in your life. His presence is what leads to peace.

So how do you experience his presence? The good news is—you don’t have to go looking for him. If you’re a believer, he’s already with you. You simply need to recognize he’s there. In John 20, the disciples didn’t go searching for Jesus. He came to them. And he comes to you, too.

I love that the very first thing Jesus said to his followers was, “Peace be with you.” He could have said, “Where were you when I needed you?” or “Why did you abandon me?” But he didn’t. There was no scolding or shame—only peace.

That’s still how Jesus responds today. When you’re running on empty, he doesn’t condemn you. He comforts you. He offers his peace—“which is far beyond human understanding” (Philippians 4:7 GNT).

Are you running on empty today? Do you feel like God is far away? You can rest in the truth that he’s closer than you think. He’s never left you. He’s with you now. You just need to be aware of his presence. Then you will receive the peace that only Christ can bring.