Peace
Open Your Bible
Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 32:17-18, John 14:18-27, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:11-22, Philippians 4:6-7
BY Claire Gibson
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.
99 thoughts on "Peace"
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I feel like in the times of so much things going on in the world (and it will get worse as Jesus says, like the birth pains accumulating), it is easy to have our peace robbed, stolen if we focus on these things. It is crucial to GUARD our hearts at all cost, with ALL diligence, for out of what comes into our hearts, we will harvest the consequences of those things that we unknowingly or knowingly allow in.
I pray God will teach us how to keep our mind on Him (through trusting in Him) will clear all these negative emotions and thoughts. The battle is truly the battle of the mind.Psalm 112: 5-8 (NIV) Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
I find singing worship songs everyday while washing dishes or folding clothes or just take a break to sing a few songs really puts me back to perspective to who God is and what He is capable of. Worshipping is a true powerful weapon to guard off any mental attacks from the devil. Let’s sing to the Lord ladies.
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Amen, Nhu! And one of my current favorite worshipful songs is “Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Peterson. I bask in the knowledge of Jesus full Kingship and glory over all creation as I listen!
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Tara, your thoughts hit home with me. I have been the peace maker in my family also. I had never thought of it as something that isnt mine to “make”. Letting go of feeling as though I need to keep everyone happy/peaceful has been hard, but something that needed done. Thank you on your insight that God is who has to create peace. Your words just resonated with me that the job I had done for so long wasnt something I needed to do. It is up to others to find the peace that God has given us!
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My word for today: God is my peace. Amen.
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Meredith, I’m praying for you! Anchor yourself in God’s Word; everything He says is true! And He will never leave you or forsake you, no matter how far you feel from Him! ❤️
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“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..” Love this! As the natural born peacemaker growing up in my dysfunctional family I thought keeping the peace was, and is, my job. I’m learning that, though this can be a gift, I need to let it go. Sometimes, in this crazy messed up world, it’s just not up to me to make peace happen. When my brothers fight and don’t speak to each other, it’s not my fault. When my brother chooses anger in his marriage over love, it’s not my fault. When my brother chooses condemnation over forgiveness, it’s not my fault. And it’s not my job to fix anything. God is the peace creator. I can’t make something that isn’t mine to make. Peace comes from God. God is peace. The gospel is peace (I think that’s in a song somewhere :)). Jesus is peace. So I pray to the Peacemaker, the Prince of Peace, for my crazy family. And leave the peace creating to Him.
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Hi ladies! I could really use prayer. I have found myself in a pit of anxiety and depression since late July. I’m desperate for a breakthrough, and to experience that peace that surpasses understanding. I feel so far from God and discouraged. I miss so much feeling close to the Lord. I daily battle the lie that perhaps my faith was never legitimate. I want to start winning the battle of the mind, taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). I want my faith back! Sending love to you all. Thank you in advance for the prayers!
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As I sit listening to the sea gulls, I feel a great sense of peace. My view overlooks the lake and the mountains. I am in awe of it everyday. God has blessed me with this wonder to enjoy. I have not had much peace lately. We believe my son, 32 may have had a stroke or TIA. Please pray for us. He needs to have an MRI and he can’t lay on his back because of muscle weakness. He could choke on his saliva. I’m so afraid of losing him. I try to remember that God gave His only son for us, can I expect him to think differently for me. He may call my son home before I will ever be ready. Thank you Tina for telling us about the vision of your daughter. My heart truly goes out to you for I may have to also walk in your shoes. I need to hang onto the peace that only God can give me. I’m so thankful for all in this group.
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With Christ we have peace. When we have peace we can move about our normal day to day life reflecting that peace. I think of situations where as we enter a room (someone stressed, someone sick, someone grieving, someone jarred by life, etc) we can introduce peace to the situation by the living presence of the Prince of Peace in us. I pray I will become more like that. Lord, Help me to be so connected to You that I cannot help but reflect your peace.
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