“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:78-79‬ ‭

Peace. Even the word has a blissful connotation. When I hear the word peace it makes me think of a moment when all seems right, when you are happy and there is no care in the world. Like everything is how it was meant to be. Peace is like a big hug after crying your eyes out. Peace is sitting in a meadow, listening to the birds. Peace is something that seems like it would be impossible to achieve in this world yet so necessary for survival. Peace is the perfect alternative for every emotion that causes us anxiety or distress. The Lord promised us in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Although it may feel like the world is dragging us down and causing so much stress and anxiety, Jesus gave us an everlasting promise to cling to. The world will give us trouble, but He will give us peace. 

However, Jesus may have promised us peace, but it didn’t come without some parameters. You do have to ask for it. It isn’t easy, but it is simple; “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. (Philippians 4:6-7)” This is one of my favorite passages in the bible. It models how our relationships with God should be. He says instead of worrying about things and letting them build up to an anxiety attack, instead stop and take time to thank God for one blessing per worry. If you are stressing about finances, thank Him for your job. If you are stressing about struggling relationships, thank Him for the healthy ones. If you are struggling with your emotions, thank Him for the people He gave you to lean on. We are compelled to talk with God about our struggles, let Him know we are hurting. Otherwise He will allow us to keep struggling. We have to want it, we have to ask for it. Then He will reach out and hold us. He will bless us with His peace. He cares for you so, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)” 

Let’s dive deeper into the meaning of peace now. The Oxford dictionary describes peace as “freedom from disturbance, tranquility” whereas the Mariam-Webster dictionary describes it as “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.” It can also be described as a wholeness or completeness. In Hebrew the word for Peace is Shalom. There are 263 verses in the NIV translation alone that refer to peace. Some versions, such as KJV have up to 420 verses that mention peace. Why is peace mentioned so often in the Bible? As humans we have a desire for a feeling of peace. We long to feel complete and whole. Many search their entire lives and never truly find peace. Many look for peace in relationships, money, possessions, status, or self gratification. But we will never truly find peace unless we look to the true giver of 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)” This world tries to preach self gratification as the provider of peace. They tell you what you need and how to get it in order to feel whole, in order to feel complete. They use commercials with strikingly effective visuals that stimulate the feeling of desire, a desire that will only be filled by that thing. Movies are chalked full of people trying to find their “happy ending” where they finally find peace. Songs praise the moments when we feel complete with the things of this world. What would happen if all of a sudden everyone knew where to find true peace? The world would be a radically different place. 

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord , make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalms 29:11

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