Jesus says my heart need not be troubled or afraid, but that feels impossible some days. The world has shifted in ways that appear to be ushering in unwanted change. My heart is troubled. It has been afraid. Yet, the unchanging Word of God says peace is possible. But where do we find this kind of peace? Would you be surprised to learn that you won’t find it at the end of a war or pandemic? Lasting peace belongs to Jesus, and He wants to give it to you.
Peace is an absence of anxiety, fear, and stress. It is a total trust in the Lord that is not anxious about anything (Phil 4:6-8). Jesus offers His peace (John 14:27), and this offering is different from the peace of the world. It has to be because we needn’t look far to see the world has no peace to give.
My flesh wants to believe that this type of peace is too hard, but the Spirit reminds me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). My flesh wants to scramble after man-made answers, but wisdom reminds me that God will meet every need (Phil 4:19). Yesterday, I cried. I was so overwhelmed. Today, I start again with the Lord and trust Him for another day. God’s mercies are new every morning. He is faithful (Lam 3:22-23). There is no failure or lack of ability that can derail God’s plans for the world’s future (Isa 14:27). I know this. Now, I must live like I believe this. As I mentally fight for biblical thinking one day (one hour!) at a time, I live and focus on this day, not worrying about tomorrow (Matt 6:34). This requires me to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
When I commit my mind to the things of the Lord, peace follows. It is exhausting to redirect myself continually but freeing. It feels dangerous yet safe. It provides no worldly answers, but it causes me to depend on the One who holds the answers, and that is why it brings peace within circumstances that haven’t changed. Move your gaze from the headlines to the Saviour to have this peace. He is worth more than anything this broken world promises. Let your heart not be troubled.