What does it mean to have peace? In the spiritual sense, peace does not mean that everything is OK. It does not mean the absence of war or struggle. It means being assured that the outcome is settled regardless of what is happening around you. It is settled because of Jesus, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33, NIV).”
The word peace is often interchanged with Shalom the Greek word for peace, meaning completeness and soundness. The completeness and soundness that comes from the peace of God is not the same as peace as we know in it’s common use today. Jesus made the distinction between God’s peace and that of the world when he said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus needed to reassure his disciples that it would be well after he left them and that he would not leave them comfortless. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter who would remain until he returns. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in God’s peace as we learn to trust God. As Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
This is the same assurance that gives us access to peace in today’s world. There are so many challenges that we face on a daily basis that sometimes we cannot seem to remain calm, feel whole or complete. Feelings of anxiety, inadequacy and uncertainty threaten our wellbeing almost everyday, but when Jesus becomes the center of our world we can find peace. As Romans 8:6 (NIV) tells us “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Accepting Jesus as the center of our life’s purpose is the beginning of true peace. That is a part of the reason Jesus says the peace he gives is not as the world gives.
The world tells us if there is no war, you have a good job, a nice house and a family, things like that, you will have peace. This is never really the case. There is always something more to be attained, room for improvement, conflict is inevitable. There is always something to disrupt this utopian idea of peace. God’s peace does not rest in the abundance of things we have, our success with building and maintaining relationships nor even our health. It is rooted in the promise of eternal life. Sure, having our needs and wants met, good relationships and being healthy are important, but they are not the ultimate indicators of peace. God desires for us to prosper, be in good health and have healthy relationships, but more importantly He desires for us to accept the gift of salvation and walk in righteousness. As a friend of mine always says, we can enter the Kingdom of God physically lame or maimed, but we cannot enter if our soul is not right with God. ” And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire” (Matthew 18:9).
It is important to understand the promise of God’s peace with an eternal outlook in mind, “If in this life alone we have hope, we would be men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19). This means that even if the struggles today leave us feeling defeated, we rest in the assurance that this is not the end, but a bump in the road as we journey towards the promise land. Thoughts of life beyond this current world and it’s struggles is one of the reasons for this peace. The peace allows us to face the tribulations and trials daily without losing hope because we accept that even if our circumstance does not change, this is not the end. There is a better life that awaits. Of course, this may not be a source of peace for everyone because you must be born again for these words to bring peace. Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse highlights the peace that comes from having our relationship with God restored through faith in Jesus
Another source of God’s peace lies in an understanding of the nature of God. God is sovereign and almighty, and He is our father. Just imagine having a father who is Lord of the universe! He is a father who is just and righteous. He is a father who sees, hears, understands and responds to our prayers. Yahweh honors His word above His name, and means what He says. This is the father in whose hands our lives are held. It goes back to the scripture in John 14 as Jesus reassured his disciples that he has gone to prepare a place and he will come again. If we are to find peace in this promise, we have to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, keep his commandments and remain in right relationship with him through his grace. As the scripture says “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalms 119:165).
Finding peace because we accept the nature and character of God, means we must have a relationship with Him. We have to read the Word of God, pray and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit so we can live in righteousness. Getting to know the nature and character of God will take some time, but it is worth the journey. I don’t know if anyone can say that they know or understand God completely, but the journey of discovery is exciting. As we seek to pursue the peace of God, here are a few Bible verses that I have found helpful:
- Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Psalms 4:8 (NIV) “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety”
Clay and Light Ministry 