Looking for His Peace … Even in the Hardest Seasons of Life
Peace is hard to find in the chaotic world we are living in. But we will not find it in this world. True peace is found as we put our trust in Jesus.
I look at the world and it seems more unruly and chaotic than any other time in my life. We are still suffering the repercussions of a worldwide pandemic. The political climate feels more contentious than ever, producing ongoing fear and anxiety in American voters. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resurrected fears of nuclear confrontation.
And all this is in addition to the difficulties we experience in our personal lives. Many of us are going through difficult seasons in our lives, and we long to experience God’s peace.
Regardless of our life situation, every human heart longs for peace without end. But it cannot be found on earth. In John 14:27 Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
His Peace is Beyond Understanding
It is both remarkable and comforting that Jesus can dwell within our frail humanity by His Spirit. Even in our faults and failures, He can produce miraculous peace. Does He live within your heart? If He does, then no matter how difficult your circumstances, He will give peace that passes all understanding if you will ask.
Fifty years ago I gave my life to Jesus after listening to a Bible study on this verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). That night I recognized a God who loved me and wanted me to have peace and not anxiety.
God knew the desire of my heart, led me to this Bible study, and I heard His invitation to trust Him with my life. It was an easy decision. It was clear this God of peace was who I needed.
Peace Like a River
My favorite hymn is “It Is Well With My Soul.” It was written by Horatio Spafford just months after all four of his daughters drowned when their ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean. His wife was saved when a plank of wood floated beneath her unconscious body, keeping her from drowning. Unimaginable grief must have overwhelmed Spafford.
On the journey to reunite with his wife, he wrote these words near the place where the ship sank:
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.
I can’t imagine Spafford having the composure to compose these words in the midst of his grief. How was that possible? Without the Prince of Peace, it is not. Only in Jesus can we say, “It is well with my soul.”
As we walk these challenging days, I pray we will embrace opportunities to trust God in new ways. He’s giving us trials so we can experience more of who He is … including His perfect peace.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Will you turn over your anxious thoughts, your fears, your needs to the One who knows you best? Will you ask Him to give you His peace?
And it’s never too early or too late to sing Christmas carols, so here are some words from a favorite that will hopefully get stuck in your head and remind you often to rest in your Prince of Peace:
Hail the heaven-born Prince to Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Amen.
May you know His peace today and forever.
In His Word
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25
In Your Life
Spend a few minutes writing a list of the circumstances that are making you anxious. Then read Philippians 4:6-7 and use this passage as a prompt for prayer. Thank God by faith for these circumstances. Ask Him to glorify Himself through your life, and ask Him to give you His peace which surpasses all understanding.
We Recommend
Article: Do You Feel a Need for Perfect Peace Today?
Article: Do You Ever Wish Your Home Were More Peaceful?
Let’s Connect
You can find Barbara on her website at Ever Thine Home where she encourages women in their faith and family relationships. Her latest book is My Heart, Ever His: Prayers for Women. Also, stop by Instagram to follow Barbara at @everthinehome.