“And the peace of God…”

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And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Philippians 4:7 AMP

Peace does not come easy. It’s a hard-fought battle over war torn lands, and anyone who tells you it’s not is probably hiding something. 

The peace of the world brings only slight healing to our souls – just enough to satisfy for the next moment – but it’s not long before we feel the emptiness again. The peace of the world is not peace at all, but a temporary distraction that prolongs our pain indefinitely, putting off true healing until it’s too late. 

In my old life before Christ, there was no peace. Every day held varying shades of insecurity, instability, depression, anxiety, and fear. I tried to plug the gaping hole in my spirit with everything I could think of to gain peace, but failed at every turn. 

Screens and romance novels felt good, but they held me captive in bondage to sensuality, escapism, and unmet unrealistic expectations for my life. 

Unhealthy foods were a balm in the moment, but overweight, inflammation, and sugar addiction only exacerbated my insecurities, while the widespread systemic affects of gluten, dairy, and carbs made my panic attacks, hormone imbalances, and mood fluctuations a thousand times worse.

Long and tedious to-do lists, with boxes scheduled to the minute throughout the day, finally made me feel in control of my life, but the extremes of self-reliance and workaholism only led to burnout.   

They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace.

Jeremiah 6:14

At the end of my rope, when all was lost and hope disappeared, it was then that I finally heard the voice of the Lord crying out to me in my own wilderness, saying, 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Nothing in this world will ever give us peace like the Lord gives peace. The world’s peace is empty, temporary, and ultimately leads to death. But the endless waves of God’s true peace, accessible only through the life and death of Christ, are deeply satisfying and intensely healing. 

Founded in grace and full of His mercy, God’s peace is everlasting. Even when challenges come, God keeps His peace on tap through every storm. 

The assurance of His peace allows us to change our fearful, pleading “help me” prayers into “thank yous.” 

• I thank You, Lord, that You go before me, You hem me in from behind, and You lay Your hand upon my life in every situation… as I trust in You, and as I follow You. (Isaiah 52:12, Psalm 139:5).
  
• I thank You, Lord, that even when the road turns harsh and scary, I am never alone. You are helping me, You are upholding me, You are giving me Your strength! As I lay my life down in obedience to Your Word… You will never fail me, You will never abandon me. (Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1, Hebrews 13:5)
  
• I thank You, Lord, that I never have to rely on my own self-effort to bring peace into my life. Trusting You and following Your ways keeps me in perfect peace, for my mind is stayed on You. (Isaiah 26:3)

If you have sought peace, but could not find it, seek it in God. If you have sought peace in God, and yet still could not find it, I encourage you to seek Him once again. Ask Him what is missing. Ask Him for His help. God is not silent, He is always speaking, but life has a way of veiling our eyes and ears until His voice cannot get through. Seek Him again. Knock on His door again. The fact that you thought of Him means He is pulling you to His side, for we cannot go to Him without His help. We are taught of God. He is the bread of life! (John 6:44-48)

Whatever you are going through today, have you accepted Jesus into your life? That’s the first step in finding peace with God – click here

Getting to know Him and learning to follow Him, that’s step two. It’s a lifelong journey of freedom, healing, and real peace.