“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.” John 14:27

These comforting words have been spoken at countless memorial services. They are a reminder to the living that in spite of all our loss, heartache and sorrow,  there remains  meaning and purpose in life. Good still exists in our lives and in our world. God will be with us as we live into our new reality.

Jesus spoke these words when he was preparing his disciples, for the trauma and the tragedy ahead. He knew they would need a lifeline to hang on to, once he was not physically among them.

Losing the person who has profoundly impacted your life for the better, loves you unconditionally, and believes in your worth, stirs questions of the heart and soul.

We ask how will I survive? How can I possibly live without that precious soul? Whom can I trust? What do I do now?

Preparing his disciples for his absence, Jesus talks about the gift of the Holy Spirit. The  Holy Spirit, he tells them, will come as a comforter, advocate, counselor, helper and assurance of God’s love. He promises the Spirit will both speak truth and be truth, guiding his disciples as they move into a life without Jesus’ visible presence.

The same Spirit guides our lives. Inspiring, comforting, leading, guiding and directing us to places that are life giving . . . Always present, ever near.

Jesus reassures his disciples and us, that while he may not be physically present, God’s Holy Spirit comes to live  in us, touching our hearts, calming our spirits and gifting us with peace. Telling us over and over again, in our most challenging, frightening and heart troubled moments, “Do not be afraid. I am with you.”

I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. John 14:26