I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN

Do you live in a state of fear and anxiety? You’re not alone! But there is a peace in the midst of life's troubles. Like being in the eye of a hurricane, the disciples were enjoying the peace of being in the presence of Jesus. As they enjoyed fellowship in the upper room, Jesus announced He was leaving them to return to the Father. This news shared in the midst of their peace, turned their hearts to being troubled, fearful, and anxious.[1] There’s a country western song that proclaims, “I never promised you a rose garden.” Neither did Jesus. Empowered by his resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the apostles encountered, throughout the Roman Empire, a world unreceptive to the Good News they shared. Yet, the disciples lived at peace in the midst of this chaotic and cruel world.

The possession and experience of peace is a central fruit of the Christian faith. I wonder how many Christians have really come to understand the great fact that peace is our inheritance. Peace is what Jesus has left us. It is fundamental and cannot be taken away from us by any circumstance. That is what He means by, “Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (Jn 14:27)

How does the world give peace? If you were troubled and went to a doctor asking: What can I do to gain peace?  They might tell you to take a trip. Go to Hawaii. Get away from it all. In other words, change your circumstances. Go to a place where nothing bothers you, where everything is peaceful around you. Then you can be at peace.

But Jesus says, I give peace right in the midst of trouble, right in the midst of distress and turmoil, in the midst of heartaches and pressures. Jesus imparts peace to our hearts right there, and not as the world gives. Why? Because we can return to the basic relationship we have with Jesus—"You in Me, and I in you.” Out of this comes the guarantee that He is working out His purposes. He will bring us through the trouble. He will bring us through the storms. We can rest in the boat, content, knowing, no water can swallow the ship, where lies the Master of ocean, earth, and sky.[2]

This is the peace Jesus gives, so, “do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (Jn 14:27) That’s addressed to us! It means we do not have to be upset and anxious, weary and worried. As we sojourn in the world, which can seem so chaotic and cruel, we need to remember, Jesus never promised us a rose garden. He promised us peace. A peace that enables us to deal with everything—separation from loved ones, loneliness, grave illness, and even death—with a deep sense of joy in Christ’s presence through it all.[3]

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[1] MLJ Trust. “My Peace I Give to You” by Dr. Lloyd-Jones.

[2] Ray Stedman Authentic Christianity. “The Inheritance of Peace” © 2006.

[3] Weekday HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Leota Roesch.