I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
— John 16:33

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
— Isaiah 26:3

One of my favorite places to be is sitting in a comfy chair on a porch, just taking a moment to be still. It is so easy to be swept up in the grind of everyday life that we end up carrying burdens and allow the stress to weigh us down. That is why I love the porch. It has a tendency to give me great perspective. I can slow down and take things in, even for just a few moments. I can breathe. I can rest.

Jesus came to bring life, to set things right, to be our hope and restore all that had been broken. He came to bring peace, to be our peace. More than 2,000 years ago, in the stillness of night, Jesus was born, and mankind would forever be able to breathe. Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Jesus was God’s plan for us. Through him, we are made right with God. He is the anchor for our soul. He brings us back to center. He makes us whole.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
— Romans 5:1

I cannot imagine what my life would be without Jesus. When it seems like the walls are closing in, my plans change, I am faced with unforeseen circumstance, I’ve had a bad day, when answers aren’t enough, or when I just don’t seem to get it, his name alone ushers in all that my soul seeks. The same can be said when I see people come together, things work out in unimaginable ways, and all is right, Jesus makes what is good even greater. He is always there. He never leaves, and he is always going before me and placing my steps. He walks with me. He holds me up, and through him and because of him, I will always have hope and unconditional love.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 4:7

In this busy season of life, maybe we can begin to see that Jesus is all we need and strive to make Jesus all that we seek.