Feeling Anxious About the World? Here’s How to Find True Peace in Christ - October 8, 2025

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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27, NIV. 

Jesus spoke these powerful words to his disciples in the hours before he went to the cross. Ever since I read them in my dying mother’s hospital room years ago, they have encouraged me whenever the trouble in this world threatens to affect my heart. If I ask for a fresh dose of Jesus’ peace when needed, my heart won’t be troubled – no matter what’s happening in this fallen world. 

Trouble is common in this world. You can see it when you scroll through the news headlines on your phone. You can hear it in the anxious voice of a friend or family member during a difficult phone call. You can feel it in your soul as you face challenges with your relationships, job, or health. The trouble in the world can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and exhausted. 

But you never have to let the trouble that surrounds you affect the heart inside you. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has made his perfect peace available anytime and anywhere. 

In John 14:27, Jesus clearly distinguishes between the peace he gives and the world’s peace. This broken world’s peace is fragile because it depends entirely on your circumstances. The world says you can have peace when your relationships are smooth, your bills are all paid, and your doctor’s report is good. This kind of peace is really just the absence of trouble. Whenever a new problem appears, the world’s peace disappears. It’s temporary and unreliable. 

But the peace Jesus gives you is entirely different. It’s a gift, rather than something you have to achieve. The peace Jesus gives you doesn’t come from perfect circumstances but from the presence of your perfect Savior. In the most challenging situations, Jesus’ peace guards your heart and mind. When you experience peace from Jesus, you can be calm and confident that God is in control and loves you. You can notice God’s presence with you in the middle of the mess. 

You can experience Jesus’ peace right where you are. You can access it at a hospital like I did with my mom, or anywhere else – like during a conflict with a family member, in the middle of a traffic jam, or while facing a difficult decision at work. You can find it whenever you worry about the world’s troubles and need God’s help to fight anxiety. 

The final part of Jesus’ promise is a command and an invitation: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can choose where you place your focus. Will you let your heart be troubled by focusing on the trouble around you? Or will you receive the gift of peace by turning your attention toward Jesus? When you feel anxiety rising, you can pray something simple like: “Jesus, I receive your peace right now.” This will change your focus from the problem to Jesus, who can help you overcome it. 

This fallen world will always have its share of trouble. But you have a source of peace much stronger than any trouble you’ll face. It’s a wonderful gift from Jesus, who has overcome the world. Receive it today! 

Let’s pray:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Prince of Peace. I’m so glad your peace is not like the peace the world offers. It doesn’t depend on my unreliable circumstances. I can always enjoy your peace, because it depends on your presence with me, which I can always rely on. I confess that I’ve let my heart be troubled too often. I let the worries of this life overwhelm me. I try to find peace alone, but I always get anxious and afraid. Please forgive me for forgetting the gift you’ve already given me. Right now, I choose to receive the peace you leave with me. I’m opening my heart to you. Please pour your peace into every worried corner of my soul. I was hoping you could help me let go of my burdens and trust you to help me with them. Guard my heart and my mind with your peace. Thank you for being with me and for being in control. I love you, Jesus. Amen.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jecapix

Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com and on her Facebook author page.

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