What feelings do the word “peace” evoke in you? I think for most of us, pleasant feelings such as tranquility, calmness, restfulness, quietness, stillness or solitude would come to mind. One definition of peace is freedom from disturbance and stress. We tend to view peace as something we can only have when all is right in the world.

However, that view of peace will never happen. We will never experience a time when we won’t have any problems, trials, sorrows or temptations. There will always be chaos or drama or circumstances that we would prefer not to have to deal with. There is no escape from these things.

Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that in this world, we will have trouble. It’s a given with no way around it. Trouble awaits us at every turn. But He also tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world, and in Him we can have peace. We’ve heard that peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.

A more biblical definition of peace is a state of harmony and wholeness that comes from trusting in God’s grace and power. This peace can only be found in a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is a gift of God that transcends earthly circumstances.

We read in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Many times there is just no way to understand how we can experience peace in some of the circumstances we suffer through. There is no possible way in our own strength that we can remain calm while facing some of the things we go through without the help of the Lord carrying us through them.

Recently I read John 14:27 in the Amplified version, and I saw another definition of biblical peace. It says, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

Not only does God’s perfect peace help us to remain calm in every circumstance, but it also gives us courage and strength for every challenge we face. So God’s peace is much more than fuzzy, warm feelings we wish we could have more often. It is the very thing we need to give us the courage and strength to help us through times when we want to just crumble and give up.

Some are facing seasons of life where they feel like they are drowning through hopeless situations with no way out. As the trials, pain and sorrow continue to build, one on top of another, they are caught in a flood that feels like it’s taking them down for the final time. God’s peace that passes all understanding is the only thing that will give you the strength and courage to get up tomorrow and face another day.

This courage and strength through peace can only be attained as we trust Jesus as our Savior, and look to Him to do the impossible. It requires the faith that God loves us and is for us and will never leave us nor forsake us.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.