John 20:19 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!”

What is shaking your world right now? Why has fear gripped your heart? Is it illness, accident, a job loss, loss of a loved one? Whatever it is, you do know you are not alone, don’t you? I know that is true because Jesus’ assurance to his disciples and everyone who would believe in Him is “… surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Just after Jesus was crucified his disciples were very afraid. Not only were they reeling from the reality of their Lord and Master being crucified but they felt certain the authorities would be coming after them next. So they were hunkered down behind closed doors. Then the most wonderful thing happened. Jesus just appeared among them. The risen, conquering Lord! Then he spoke what they needed to hear the most: “Peace be with you.” Those are his words to you in this moment, no matter what the circumstances are that have turned your world upside down.

After my husband died, I was washing dishes when Jesus “appeared”. Do I mean as an apparition?  No, just a palpable awareness of His presence! How did I know? In that moment my mind took me back to his appearance to Mary after his resurrection when he called her by name and her response was: “Rabboni” meaning Master! For me it was a moment most precious and I remember glancing over my shoulder as if to see him standing there. I whispered, “Lord, thank you for coming.”

Your Savior is Lord over everything – receive the peace he brings.