Many, worldwide, are going through unexpected, painful, bewildering, frightening and exhausting experiences at the present time; both personally and through wars, earthquakes, floods, etc. We all have to endure suffering and often cannot understand why God has allowed it. Peace is the gift God wants us to enjoy at all times and in all circumstances.

I had a traumatic childhood, but I can thank God for it. It has enabled me to empathise with and encourage so many others. I also had a very difficult time in Guinea-Bissau, but I can honestly see now that God was working out his sovereign plan for that country through it. And in truth, I was extremely happy there, living, worshipping and working with godly African brothers and sisters. They remain some of my closest friends.

When we are going through the worst of times, do we focus on the suffering itself, or on the Prince of Peace who is always right beside us and will carry us through? Do we become worried and obsessed with the here and now, or can we trust God that it is a necessary part of the bigger picture that only He can see?

When Jesus was facing the cross, with major suffering lying ahead of him, his concern was not for himself, but for those he would be leaving behind. They were not troubled by a fear of dying, but horrified at the prospect of being separated from him. What did he say to them?

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God; trust also in me … and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Friend, Comforter and Counsellor to help you and to be with you for ever – the Spirit of truth … I will not leave you as orphans" (Jn 14:1, 16-18).

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (Jn 14:27).

1. "I will not leave you as orphans." Jesus promises each of his disciples that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit will always be with us and will never leave us or forsake us. We are indwelt with peace.

2. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." The word translated 'give' is a technical term for 'a gift that is a specific bequest in someone's will'. Jesus wrote a will! It contains every promise he ever made and at its centre it guarantees eternal peace. Each one of us is an equal beneficiary of the peace that Jesus enjoyed! How amazing and comforting is that! "He himself is our peace" (Eph 2:14).

3. "I do not give to you as the world gives." The reference is to giving a greeting like 'God bless you' which is formal and amounts to mere wishful thinking.

4. "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Practicing the presence of Jesus is the answer to this; walking with him, loving him and trusting him no matter what. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Col 3:15).