“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you!’ As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” John 20: 19-23

What do you think the disciples were thinking about as they sat together in a locked room? They were afraid of the Jewish authorities because they had been accused of stealing the body of Jesus to make it look like He has risen from the dead. They had heard from Mary that she had seen Jesus, but yet they had not seen Him.

Do you think they were wondering if their teacher and friend would even want to see them? Do you think they were remembering how they had run away when Jesus was arrested? I can imagine that each one of them were lost in their own personal thoughts about what they did and did not do. I’m sure that their thoughts were heavy with remorse and that a deep sorrow pierced their hearts in a way that they could not begin to understand or explain.

Suddenly, Jesus appears… He does not give them a long lecture or a long list of their grievances against Him. Instead He speaks words of healing to them; Peace be with you. Instantly their hearts which were troubled are now filled with joy. They were in the presence of their Lord and Savior.

Where do we go when our hearts are troubled? Jesus is right there offering you the same peace that he offered the disciples. Find comfort in His word, that is His love letter written to you. Find rest as you pour out your heart to Him in prayer. In Him you will find a peace that is beyond our human understanding.