John 20:19-20, “On the evening of that first day of the week (Easter morning), when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.”
Evening?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus waited so long to appear to His disciples? Mary Magdala saw Him early in the morning, but He doesn’t appear to disciples until evening. Why? And what was He doing in the meantime? Luke 24:13-35 likely gives us the answer—and we’ll talk about that in next week’s article.
Peace

When Jesus appears to the disciples, the very first word He speaks is “Peace.” In Greek, the word is eirene. In Aramaic and Hebrew, it is shalom. It refers to a state of tranquility; of harmony, security, safety, and prosperity. He then shows them His scars and they are overcome with joy. Again, He says “Peace”. Why? Because they were fearful and anxious.
Anxious

The disciples were afraid of what the Jewish leaders might do to them. According to Matthew’s gospel, rumors were already circulating around Jerusalem that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. Would they be crucified next? Believe me, if you had just witnessed someone being crucified, and you think you might be next, you’d be anxious too.

To be anxious means to be worried, afraid, nervous or agitated, especially about something that is going to happen or might happen. Anxiety can cause depression, panic attacks, sleeplessness, headaches, irritability, increased heartrate and intensified heartbeats, high blood sugar, upset stomach, fatigue, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, and even unexplainable aches and pains.

Anxiety engages the sympathetic side of the Autonomic Nervous System, causing the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. The fight or flight response was designed by God to help us respond quickly to danger. It is a very fast system intended for very short-term reactions. Fear and anxiety, even when they exist outside of immediate danger, continue to cause the ANS to respond with a constant flow of adrenaline and cortisol, negatively effecting every aspect of our being. This is why stress and anxiety are so destructive.
Worry and Fear

In Matthew 6, Jesus says “Do not worry.” In John 14 He says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” John tells us in I John 4 “there is no fear in love.” We hear these statements, yet somehow the worry and fear continue—and so does the destruction of life. Worry and fear are common sins. Don’t excuse your sins. Instead, seek grace to overcome them. If you cycle endlessly in worry and fear, you are sinning. Confess your sin and seek God’s grace to overcome. His grace is sufficient. Do you believe it?

Jesus acknowledged there is plenty to fear and worry about when He said, “each day has enough trouble of its own.” He told us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” In Matthew 10:33 He declares, “You will be hated because of me.” If all of this is true, then how do we experience genuine shalom in a troubled world?
Experiencing Peace in a Troubled World

Jesus showed us how to overcome trouble and anxiety in the Garden of Gethsemane. You can read about it in Matthew 26:36-46.

1. Accept trouble. Jesus experienced trouble and expressed anxiety, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” According to Luke 22:44, He was in anguish and his sweat fell like great drops of blood to the ground. It’s normal to struggle when trouble comes—and it’s okay to be honest with your confidants about how you feel. Confession brings healing. See James 5:16. Accept the fact that you are going to experience trouble in the world.

2. Seek support. Jesus invites Peter, James and John to “Stay here and keep watch with me.” Their presence was important to Him. No one should be alone in suffering or in the midst of attack. Part of the reason we tend to isolate when trouble comes is because we’re afraid of being judged by fellow Christians in the midst of our sorrow. How sad. As Christians, we should feel free to talk openly with our confidants, even about our troubles. Jesus did.

3. Pray honestly. Jesus asked, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” It is acceptable to be honest with God. It’s okay to let God know you are not pleased with the trouble you are facing. He already knows — and being honest with God is an effective way of aligning your spirit to His. He will understand because Jesus is a high priest and mediator who is familiar with our struggles. See Hebrews 4:15. You don’t need to hide or act brave in God’s presence. He just wants you to be honest. It is an essential ingredient in peace.

4. Pray submissively. Jesus recognized God’s sovereignty and stated, “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” It is a courageous and faith-filled statement to put your trust fully in God.

5. Get going. Jesus declared, “Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer.” If God says “no” or “wait” to one of His children, it is because He is accomplishing a redemptive plan—so get up and get on with it. Paul did the same. His thorn in the flesh (see II Corinthians 12:7-10) provided an opportunity to allow God’s greatness to be displayed through Paul’s weakness. Ask: How can I bring God glory in the midst of my troubles and suffering? Jesus declared, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” See John 17:4. God’s work for you will likely include trouble. Are you willing to bravely accept the assignment and allow His greatness to be displayed through your weakness?
Coming Again!

Anxious can also be defined as eager or very much looking forward to something or wanting something to happen. Revelation 22:20 says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” We are anxious for His return! He is risen! He is risen indeed! And He is coming again! Amen! Come Lord Jesus!