Jesus came to give us life, according to John 10:10. Not just life, really, but “abundant life”. Are you living the abundant life Christ came to give you?

Jesus said that if we come to him, he will give us rest for our souls, according to Matthew 11:28-30. Is your soul at rest?

Most of all, I am drawn to the idea that Jesus has come to give us peace. John wrote Jesus’ words:

“These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me you may have

peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have

overcome the world.” 16:33

Jesus’ apostle Paul would later write to the church at Philippi:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The first Christians were quite often a persecuted lot. Some claimed they were cannibals for eating the Lord’s supper, and others accused them of atheism for not bowing to the official gods of their locale. They faced imprisonment, loss of income, loss of their goods, expulsion from their communities, torture and death.

Regardless of these things and in spite of these things, these early saints lived abundant lives. Their souls were at rest. They had peace; and an unexplainable peace at that.

When either of these three blessings seem slim in my life, I know it is time to refocus my mind on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. There is always tribulation (trouble), but it is in the world. The peace….. the unexplainable peace, is in Jesus.

Well of course; any sheep would tell you that the most secure place is right next to the Good Shepherd.