When I think about peace, I imagine three different things. First, I think of the wrap-around porch at my favorite bed and breakfast on Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where we like to vacation in the summer. It looks out over a marsh, where pelicans dive for fish and the sun paints the grasses yellow and then green. Second, I think of my friend Andi, a woman who imparts wisdom with every word she speaks, whose calm tone pervades every syllable. And finally, I think of the moment when my body sinks into a hot bath. The knowledge that I can sit undisturbed for 20 or 30 minutes is as soothing as the steam.
But our good God tells us that peace is not about a vacation. It’s not about trying to imitate a soft tone of voice, which while authentic to my friend Andi, would be disingenuous if I put it on for size. And it is not about finding more time for self-care, which brings only temporary relief. He knows that the world outside—and the world inside my own mind—is full of strife. But when Christ came, He promised to give His disciples PEACE, not as a means of escape, but as a means to exist and thrive without fear in the midst of the chaos of our world.
According to the scriptures, peace is one aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, something that God the Great Gardener will grow in our hearts and lives if we entrust ourselves to His care, no matter our circumstances. Peace will look different in different people’s lives. In the same way that hydrangeas bloom in different colors in different places, depending on the pH of the soil, peace will arrive in our hearts, blooming in its own way, in its own time. One thing is certain: if God promises to give it, then we will certainly receive it.
In John 14, Jesus says that peace is something He gives away, freely and without cost—not as the world might try to offer it (John 14:27). In Romans, the apostle Paul encourages believers to remember that “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). And in his letter to the Philippians, he says “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” is able to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6–7).
In the end, our confidence comes not in our own ability to create peace, but in our relationship with the God of the universe who loves us and provides peace in abundance, simply as an act of His great love. Christ is a means of reconciling all people together in unity, no matter the earthly divisions that try to breed hostility between us (Ephesians 2:11–22). God’s peace is not theoretical. It is real. My circumstances might be in total disarray. Vacations and plans might be canceled. Factions might rise up against each other with weapons or words. In the midst of it all, our eternity is settled, our hearts can rest at ease, knowing that God is our peace.
Love these words. And glad to have you back, Tina. ❤️
“Peace-a means to exist & thrive without fear in the midst of the chaos of our world.” What a gift indeed!! And it will look different in each of our lives-I love the hydrangea analogy. Churchmouse-your method of fasting from the news, etc, is brilliant! I have definitely cut down on viewing, listening, etc, & it really does have a positive effect! Love, joy & peace to you all, sisters!
“…to exists and thrive without fear in the midst of the chaos of our world”…now THAT is peace. It can only come from above! I am thankful for my growing faith. It brings me peace.
I read the verses in Isaiah 32 that led up to verses 17-18 and in those verses was a contrasting scenario to God’s peace. He is actually calling out the indolent women who were complacent and secure and reveling in their luxury, parties, and good times. Then, came a period of a year where the crops failed, people abandoned the city, and the people were filled with mourning UNTIL the spirit was poured down and justice & righteousness reigned. It reminds me of the year that we have been through and it is only through faith in God and the indwelling of his Spirit that peace will prevail.
I’ve learned so much about peace the last few months. I suffer from anxiety and I would find myself worrying. Philippians 4:7 has guided me during anxious moments.
I have struggled with anxiety all of my life. Right before covid started, it was at a high point. As uncertain and frightening as pulling the rug out from my “normal” was, I have to say now (looking back) that I am thankful for that time. Because there was nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had nowhere to turn with my anxiety but to the Father, and He was there with open arms. Since then, I have still struggled with my anxiety on and off in moments of overwhelm. I actually felt anxious the other day because I realized as my exams approach, I haven’t had a meltdown (how wound up is that – feeling anxious about not being anxious? Lol!). I asked myself if that means I haven’t been studying enough this semester or if I’m not taking things seriously enough. But really I think the chance is that the feeling of dread that used to follow me around is lifting because the Father is cultivating peace in me. It has been truly life giving. Praying for you ladies to accept the peace the Father freely gives today regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in right now, and that you don’t follow my old ways of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” and trying to white knuckle your way through life.
Peace is a daily goal – to share, to give, to receive. Some days are easier than others but every day it is a goal.
❤️