Promises of Peacefeatured

Merriam-Webster’s definition of peace includes: a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations. Doesn’t that sound wonderful!

Why then is peace so elusive to many of us? I’m pretty sure I am not the only one who has sleepless nights that are anything but peaceful. My natural reaction to troubling circumstances is anything but tranquil. My brain is full of noisy, fearful thoughts and I slip into “how do I solve this problem” mode. I mistakenly think that I have the wisdom and strength needed to work through the situation.  Satan deceives me into thinking that peace comes only when circumstances have improved, and relationships are restored.  And, by the way, I fall for his lie that it is up to me to fix the situation. Satan is happiest when we are impatient, frustrated, fearful, anxious, and trying to act like we are God.

God’s Word promises us perfect peace. The prophet Isaiah spoke about peace frequently:

• “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
• “The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17).
• “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10).

Isaiah’s prophetic words in Isaiah 9:6 describe the long-awaited Messiah as the “Prince of Peace.” It is not surprising that during Jesus’s last supper with his disciples, he comforted them with promise of his peace: “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).

These verses tell me that God alone is the source of peace. He fills us with his peace when we trust in his unfailing and perfect love for us, acknowledging that we can’t resolve any circumstance or relationship on our own. We get a big dose of peace when we surrender our solutions and plans to him, letting go of our imperfect wisdom. I must let go of my ideas of perfect timing too. I am almost always in a bigger hurry than God is – maybe you can relate!

In Matthew 6:34 Jesus gives us another tip for peaceful living: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I am a planner, so it totally unnatural for me to limit my thoughts to the here and now. Jesus wants me to walk by faith with him one step at a time; fully trusting that his plan is far better than mine. Jesus wants me to keep my focus on him now, not on what tomorrow might bring.

Peter learned this lesson in Matthew 14:25-33. Jesus offered Peter the incredible opportunity to walk on water, but Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. When Peter called out for help “…immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” I can be very much like Peter, but I am reassured that when I ask Jesus for help, his hand will lift me up and help me shift my focus back to his plans for the day.

Jesus gives us a beautiful image of the peace he offers in Matthew 14:28-29 “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.” Rest for my soul sounds like peace to me!

The promise of perfect peace will be fulfilled in heaven, but while in this temporary home God provides us his peace when we surrender our plans and trust in his. In this painting, gold represents God’s peace. Whether we are going through one of life’s valleys or trudging up a steep challenging mountain, we can experience the treasure of his peace. We all have our moments when let our circumstances disrupt our peace, but Jesus is ready to take our hand, walk with us and restore the peace he has promised.  When I get to heaven and experience perfect peace, I’ll have to update this painting so that it is completely covered in gold!