Jesus' disciples were shocked and confused. He had just said he would be leaving them. After three years of daily, intense mentoring under his leadership and teaching, he was going away, and it was not clear to them where he was going. This caused a lot of conflict in their hearts. On top of that, he explained that trouble was coming their way—from people who would hate them and persecute them and kill some of them (see Luke 21:12-19).

No wonder they responded in fear and anxiety! But Jesus assured them that he would not leave them alone in all this trouble. He would send another teacher, helper, and counselor. The Holy Spirit of God would come to live in their hearts! He would produce in them a beautiful array of spiritual fruit, including a highly prized and needed peace (Galatians 5:22-23). They would become blessed as peacemakers, just as Jesus had taught them earlier (Matthew 5:9).

Do you have the Lord's peace in your heart? Are you confident that his comforting care is with you in any conflict? Do you know that in his strength you can be victorious in every struggle and trial? The Bible shows that Jesus' followers did so when the Spirit was poured out on them (Acts 2-28). You can too!