Finding Unshakeable Peace in Christ Amid Chaos

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Offers True Peace in Chaos

Jesus promises a peace that is unlike anything the world can give, a peace that remains steady even when everything around you is turned upside down. In the midst of global catastrophes, personal crises, or unexpected heartbreak, His words, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” are not just comforting—they are a command and an invitation. This peace is not dependent on circumstances, possessions, or the approval of others, but is rooted in the unchanging presence and love of Christ. When chaos threatens to overwhelm, remember that God’s Word was written for such times, and His peace is available to you right now, no matter what you face. [03:39]

John 14:26-27 (ESV)
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where chaos or anxiety is threatening your peace? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into that specific situation today?

Day 2: Believe in the Place Jesus Has Prepared

Heaven is not a vague hope or a distant dream—it is a real place, lovingly prepared by Jesus for you. No earthly home, no matter how grand, can compare to the eternal home that awaits. The longing for something more, for a place of perfect peace and reunion, is placed in your heart by God Himself. When you feel the ache of loss or the emptiness of temporary things, let your heart be anchored in the reality that your true home is with Christ, where there is no pain, no loss, and no fear. [07:06]

John 14:1-3 (ESV)
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

Reflection: Who is someone you long to see again in heaven, and how does the promise of a real, eternal home with Jesus shape your hope and perspective today?

Day 3: Stand on the Promise—Jesus Will Return

Jesus’ promise is not just about a place, but about His personal return for you. No matter how broken or uncertain this world becomes, you can live with the expectation that Christ is coming back to bring you to Himself. This hope is not wishful thinking; it is a declaration of victory before the battle even begins. When you live with your eyes on eternity, you can face today’s challenges with confidence, knowing that the ultimate outcome is secure in Jesus. [16:25]

John 14:3 (ESV)
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

Reflection: In what practical way can you live today as someone who is expecting Jesus’ return—how might this change your attitude, your priorities, or your conversations?

Day 4: Trust the Plan—Jesus Is the Only Way

There are not many paths to God; Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. In a world that values many options and personal feelings, Jesus’ words are clear and exclusive: no one comes to the Father except through Him. This is not narrow-mindedness, but the loving clarity of a Savior who wants everyone to find the way home. Good intentions, religious activity, or personal effort cannot substitute for a surrendered heart to Christ. Trusting His plan means following Him, not just believing about Him. [19:16]

John 14:5-6 (ESV)
"Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reflection: Is there any area of your life where you are relying on your own plans or good intentions instead of fully trusting and following Jesus as the only way? What step can you take to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 5: Surrender Fully—Move from Believer to Follower

It is not enough to simply believe in Jesus intellectually or to have good intentions; He calls you to be a follower, surrendering every part of your life to His lordship. This means inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you in your relationships, decisions, and daily actions—not just in your faith, but in every area. Jesus is not content with partial surrender; He wants to be Lord of all. Today, look honestly in the mirror of God’s Word and ask if there is anything you are holding back. [32:12]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life that you have not fully surrendered to Jesus’ lordship, and what would it look like to give Him control of that area starting today?

Sermon Summary

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, Jesus offers a peace that is unlike anything the world can give. He speaks directly to our troubled hearts, commanding us not to be afraid, even when everything around us seems to be turned upside down. The peace He gives is rooted not in circumstances, possessions, or even our own reputation, but in the unchanging promises of God. When catastrophe strikes—whether it’s global turmoil or personal heartbreak—God’s Word was written for such times, to anchor us in hope and confidence.

Jesus, on the eve of His own suffering, told His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. He pointed them to three foundational truths: a place, a promise, and a plan. First, He assures us of a real place—heaven—prepared specifically for us. This place is more real and lasting than any earthly home or dream we could ever build. The longing for something more, for a true home, is woven into our hearts by God Himself. Earthly things, no matter how grand, are temporary and can never satisfy the eternal longing within us.

Second, Jesus gives us a promise: “I will come again and receive you to myself.” This is not just wishful thinking, but a guarantee from the One who conquered death. Living with the expectation of heaven allows us to declare victory even before the battle is over, knowing that our ultimate future is secure in Christ.

Finally, Jesus reveals the plan: He Himself is the way, the truth, and the life. There are not many paths to God—there is one, and it is through Jesus alone. This is not narrow-mindedness, but the loving clarity of a Savior who wants none to be lost. Good intentions, religious activity, or even belief alone are not enough; what is required is full surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Following Jesus means trusting Him not just with our eternity, but with every aspect of our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us step by step.

Key Takeaways

1. True peace is not found in circumstances, possessions, or the approval of others, but in the person and promises of Jesus. When everything else is shaken, His peace remains unshakable because it is rooted in eternity, not in the temporary. The world’s peace is fragile, but Christ’s peace is steadfast and available even in the midst of chaos. [03:39]
2. Heaven is a real place, prepared by Jesus for those who trust Him. Our deepest longings for home, belonging, and reunion are ultimately fulfilled not in earthly experiences, but in the eternal home God has made for us. Remembering this place gives us hope and perspective when life feels overwhelming or when we grieve what we have lost. [08:15]
3. The promise of Christ’s return is a source of confidence and victory, even in the darkest seasons. Living with the expectation of heaven shifts our focus from temporary struggles to eternal hope, empowering us to persevere and declare victory before the battle is even over. This promise is not just for the future, but transforms how we live today. [16:25]
4. Jesus is not one of many ways to God; He is the only way, the truth, and the life. In a culture that values many paths and personal feelings, the exclusive claim of Christ can seem offensive, but it is the loving truth that leads to life. Sincerity and good intentions are not enough—only a surrendered heart to Jesus brings us into the Father’s presence. [24:32]
5. Following Jesus requires more than belief; it demands full surrender. It’s not about having “fire insurance” or just agreeing with Christian ideas, but about letting Christ be Lord over every area of life. The Holy Spirit is ready to guide us in every decision, but we must be willing to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” trusting that His way is always best. [32:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Confidence in Chaos: Introduction
[03:39] - Jesus’ Promise of Peace
[05:20] - Understanding Catastrophe and Chaos
[07:06] - The Power of Place: Memories and Heaven
[08:15] - Heaven: A Real and Eternal Home
[10:15] - Earthly Pursuits vs. Eternal Fulfillment
[11:37] - Treasures in Heaven
[13:00] - What’s Not in Heaven
[16:25] - The Promise: Jesus Will Return
[19:16] - The Plan: Jesus Is the Way
[21:18] - The Difference Between “A Way” and “The Way”
[24:32] - The Exclusivity of Christ
[26:46] - The Danger of “What Feels Right”
[28:24] - The Unchanging Way to Heaven
[29:39] - The RSVP: Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
[31:12] - Surrendering Every Area to Christ
[32:12] - A Call to Full Surrender and Prayer
[33:37] - Responding to God’s Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 14:1-6 (ESV) — “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in John 14, what is the difference between the peace He gives and the peace the world offers? [03:39]
What are the three things Jesus tells His disciples to believe in during times of chaos, as highlighted in the sermon? [19:16]
How does Jesus describe the place He is preparing for His followers? What details are given about this place? [08:15]
What question does Thomas ask Jesus, and how does Jesus respond? [19:16]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize “let not your hearts be troubled” even as He faces His own suffering? What does this reveal about His understanding of peace? [03:39]
The sermon mentions that our longing for “home” is woven into our hearts by God. How does this longing relate to the promise of heaven? [08:15]
Jesus claims to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” In a culture that values many paths, why is this claim both challenging and comforting? [24:32]
The pastor said that good intentions, religious activity, or even belief alone are not enough—what is required is full surrender to Christ. What does “full surrender” look like in practical terms? [32:12]

Application Questions

When you face chaos or catastrophe in your life, what is your usual source of peace? How can you shift your focus from temporary things to the unshakable peace Jesus offers? [10:15]
Think about a time when you felt “homesick” for something more. How does the promise of a real place—heaven—change your perspective on loss, grief, or disappointment? [08:15]
The sermon says that living with the expectation of heaven allows us to declare victory before the battle is over. What would it look like for you to live with that kind of confidence this week? [16:25]
Jesus says He is the only way to the Father. Have you ever struggled with the exclusivity of this claim? How do you respond to friends or family who believe there are many ways to God? [24:32]
The pastor shared a story about RSVP’ing to a banquet and missing out because of not following the plan. Are there areas in your life where you have good intentions but haven’t fully surrendered to Jesus’ plan? What’s holding you back? [29:39]
The sermon challenges us to move from being just “believers” to being “followers” of Jesus. What is one area of your life where you need to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done”? [32:12]
The Holy Spirit is described as an expert in every area of life, ready to guide us. Is there a specific decision or situation where you need to invite the Holy Spirit’s guidance this week? How will you do that? [31:12]

Sermon Clips

The Bible was written during chaotic times for chaotic times. That's what your Bible's for. A lot of people get this feeling, I'm not going to church today. My life's a mess. I'm upset. That's exactly when you need to be in the place of God. It was written. God's word, God's church was designed for chaotic times. And that's why Jesus says, my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled. [00:02:54] (29 seconds) #BibleForChaos

No one in the history of mankind has ever found ultimate fulfillment in a dream house or a dream job or a dream scenario or a dream title or position. And how can you say that? Because we are created as eternal beings and all of those things are temporary things. [00:09:54] (20 seconds) #EternalNotTemporary

Whatever you build for yourself in this life is temporary. It doesn't really matter what it is. And crisis may take it from us. But hear me. Things were never meant to be the source of your peace. A bank account, a home, possessions, what people think about you. Listen to me. If I'm really honest with you, my reputation is very important to me, but it can't be my source of peace. I really do care what you think about me. I do. But it's not my source of peace. It could all be taken away, either by, you know, rightfully so or even wrongly so. It can't be my source of peace. Jesus is the only source of peace. That's got to be what I believe in. [00:11:22] (47 seconds) #PeaceNotPossessions

You know when you're going through the most chaotic challenges in your life you need to remember that you have a heavenly father who loves you and he's made a place for you and that jesus is there waiting for you and and like he said in john 17 i want them to be with me he wants you to be with him he's not some impersonal you know being up in the sky looking down on you judging and waiting on you to just step a little bit out of line so he can whack you back into place or or mess you up or make you pay for what you've done that that's just not the god of scripture he's longing to be with you. [00:15:31] (37 seconds) #GodLongsForYou

When you live in the expectation of heaven, you are declaring victory before the battle begins. What you're saying is, man, man, I just know that I know there's something bigger than this. I'm going to work like it depends on me. I'm going to pray like it depends on God. And ultimately, I'm not in control of the outcome. I'm going to do what I know to do. I'm going to serve Jesus and serve others and try to follow the scriptures. But I can't control the outcome. I can only control my input. But ultimately, whatever happens here is temporary. I believe that there's a city whose maker and builder is God. And there's a place for me in that place. And I'm not going to end my life here. I'm going to transition to what God has next for me. [00:17:14] (43 seconds) #HeavenlyExpectation

You want to deal with chaos? And you want to learn how to live in peace? I need you to believe in a place called heaven. It's prepared for you. I've got it all set up. It's perfect. It's your ultimate destination. This is not it. And then he said, I need you to believe in a promise. It's just not going to be some pie -in -the -sky place. I'm coming back and taking you there. I'm going to rescue you out of this place. And the most important part of this threefold promise is that there's a plan. He wants you to believe in a plan. [00:18:47] (32 seconds) #BelieveInPlan

There's a plan for how you get there. Imagine you went to a town that you've never been to. And you're trying to find somewhere. And GPS doesn't work. Is anybody old enough to remember when there was no GPS? Man, how you got places was radically different. You know? So different. I remember one time...we had Saturday night services. And phones didn't have GPS just yet, but there was something called MapQuest. Most people would, like you would map out your path before you got in your car. [00:19:44] (35 seconds) #JesusIsTheWay

William Barclay said, Jesus does not tell us about the way, he is the way. And when Jesus said, I'm the way, the truth and the life, strangely, the most important word in that sentence is this one right here. That's what grammar teachers will tell you is a definite article. Now, if it were an indefinite article, he would say, I'm a way to heaven. And that's the way our world likes to view Jesus. He's a way, he's awesome. Jesus has a super high approval rating in America, right? You poll him, he's like up there. Somebody's against him, that's pretty crazy. But people believe in Jesus. They say he's awesome, he was loved, he's a pacifist, he was so good, he served others, he was, you know, he was humble. And he is one of many ways to get to salvation. He is a way to heaven. But see, the difference is he's not a way, he's the way. [00:22:20] (66 seconds) #OneWayOneTruth

A follower of Jesus is not just fire insurance. I'm going to pray a prayer so I make sure I don't go to hell. But a follower of Jesus says, Lord, not my will, but yours be done. In what way, Pastor? In my religion? In my faith? Yeah. but also in the rest of your life. You're trying to date somebody. Not my will, but yours be done. Oh, but Jesus, she's so hot. Not my will, but yours. Remember I told you about the hot crazy scale. Y 'all remember that? I got a small group on that. I'll help you. I don't care how hot she is. He is. I don't care about his dreamy eyes. There's a way that seems right into man, but in the end it leads to death. Okay? When you surrender to God, you invite the Holy Spirit to lead your life like we talked about in the last series, and the Holy Spirit is an expert on everything. He's an expert on finances, on business, on relationship, on leadership, on health. He's an expert on everything. [00:31:12] (56 seconds)

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