Finding Peace

Peace and Tranquility

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars…For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:6,7)

How can a person find calmness, restfulness, or tranquility in our world today—a world filled with suffering and conflict of all kinds?

Peace is third in the list of characteristics of fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22).

Spiritual peace is an inward peace—the assurance of God’s presence and care, and the hope of future good.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, /Whose mind is stayed on You, / because He trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

When I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, He wiped clean my record of sin. Jesus took the punishment for my sin, bearing it by His suffering and death on the cross. By faith I’m restored to fellowship with Holy God. Therefore, I have peace with God. (Romans 5:1, John 14:27) Peace results from faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to God’s Word.

Christians often find themselves involved in personal conflict, warfare, and life’s daily discords. We cannot entirely avoid conflict. Sometimes it’s necessary to confront a wrong-doing personally or in society. Sometimes war between nations becomes necessary to fight evil on a larger scale. We won’t have peace in this world until every knee bows to the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:10) The book of Revelation outlines future events that will lead to the ultimate rule of Christ.

Joseph’s story is told in the latter part of the book of Genesis. After being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph rises from an Egyptian prison to become Pharaoh’s second-in-command. Conducting himself in obedience to God, Joseph experiences inner peace because he trusts God.

After their father’s death, the brothers fear that Joseph will pay them back for their unbrotherly act. Joseph assures them that, although they intended it for evil, God meant it for good. (Genesis 50:15-21) Because Joseph went to Egypt, Jacob’s family and the nation Israel were rescued from starvation and death. Joseph chose peace with his brothers rather than taking revenge.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, /But a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Apologizing to another person for offending them, responding calmly when wronged ourselves, and arbitrating a peaceful solution to a conflict allow us to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said, “For they shall be called the sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Do you ever get so busy you forget to sit at Jesus’ feet? In Luke 10:38-42 Martha of Bethany, busy, busy, busy preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples, demands that Jesus tell her sister, Mary, to help her. Jesus points out that Mary, listening peacefully to Him instead of exhausting herself making an elaborate feast, has made a better choice.

Peace should be evident in the life of a believer by unity with other believers, by living in peace with those around us, by helping others to grow in faith, and by being a peacemaker. (Romans 12:18)