How difficult is it to find peace when our boats are sailing in the turbulent waters of a troubled society, where the immediacy of things has become the order of the day, and the pace of life is increasingly demanding? Or, when our minds are disturbed by countless thoughts and worries that, far from leaving us at the end of the day, go with us to bed and prevent us from falling asleep and obtaining the rest we need.

Peace is commonly defined as the absence of conflict or as a state where there are no wars or struggles between the opposing parties. It is also known as a condition of mental tranquility and inner harmony. However, beyond these concepts, in this article, I would like to talk about what true peace means and how it can be achieved. Join me in this reading, I assure you that it will be a great blessing and benefit to your life.

my peace I give unto you

The first thing we should know is that peace, true peace, is not of human origin, but is a gift from God and a fruit of his Spirit ^(a). In that way, we must emphasize that it is impossible to fully enjoy the peace of God if we do not have the God of peace dwelling and reigning in our hearts.

Jesus is our peace, our Prince of peace. Outside of Him, there’s no other source that can provide it. He said: «Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ^(b).

Through this statement, Jesus taught us that there are two types of peace: the one the world offers and the one that only He can give us.

The “peace of the world” depends on circumstances being under our control or, at least, we feel that they are within the framework of our possibilities. It is related to having a good job, good health insurance, and a green financial balance sheet. But, once one of these pillars gives way, our building begins to shake, and a deep feeling of anguish and restlessness takes over our minds, causing us to lose our calm and tranquility ^(c).

In contrast, God’s peace does not depend on external circumstances or situations, nor our possessions or possibilities. With this, I do not mean that all the things mentioned in the previous paragraph are not important and necessary, because, undoubtedly, they are. What I want to express is that we can experience God’s peace even though, at a given moment, we do not enjoy one or more of them.

Peace does not necessarily imply the absence of conflicts or problems, since we can have peace during the most impetuous storms and the fiercest battles. Therefore, the Scriptures indicate that God’s peace surpasses all human understanding and comprehension.

A clear example can be found in the Psalms book. There we can find a couple of statements, written by king David, that encourage me, and have given me comfort when facing hardships. The first one says: “ I laid me down and slept; I awaked, for the Lord sustained me” ^(d), and the second one states: “ I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for Thou Lord only, makest me dwell in safety” ^(e).

What is most striking about these verses is the context in which they were written. David did not write these words of confidence in times of prosperity and tranquility, but rather he did so in a time of conflict and persecution. He believed that the Almighty supported him and that his life was in His hands.

On the other hand, when we study the life of the apostle Paul, we see that he wrote four of his beautiful letters from a position that any of us could be desperate. He wrote them from prison. However, we can notice the patience that surrounds his words and the peace and tranquility he transmits through them. Humanly, it cannot be understood. How can one person have joy and peace during such hard times? Only God can make this possible.

Dear friends, the peace of God depends on our relationship with Him and the faith we have in Him. The Spirit persuades us and leads us, through faith, to believe and trust in His promises and, in this way, provides us with a supernatural peace that nestles and shelters our hearts during the coldest seasons.

A Divided Mind

 In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul.».

Psalm 94:19

It’s necessary to admit that although many of us have already known Jesus as Lord and Savior, many times we don’t fully enjoy the peace He offers us. This happens because our minds tend to wander and move, continually, amid a great multitude of thoughts that disturb us and cause us to waver. Many of these thoughts are associated with an unchangeable past, the anxiety of a hectic present, or the anxiety of an unknown future.

The apostle Paul wrote:

Fret not about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus».

Philippians 4:6-7

It is interesting to note that in the original Greek, the words peace and worry have an antagonistic meaning. The word peace (from Eiréné)^(f) means “to join, to bind together to form a whole.” An the word worry (from Merimnaó)^(g) means: “a part, as opposed to the whole,” or “to divide into parts.” And, figuratively, to fall into pieces.

When we worry, our minds move in different directions and debate between many thoughts. This causes our hearts to divide and sink into the well of anxiety and restlessness.

The solution to this dilemma is found in the book of Isaiah, where it says: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” (h). That is, the Lord urges us to keep our thoughts focused on Him and His promises. In this way, we will be sustained and supported in times of distress, with a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Dear friends, we need to exercise ourselves in persevering in the Word so that our thoughts align and become in tune with those of God. Meditate on this.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you».

Philippians 4:8-9

If this post has been a blessing in your life, I invite you to share it with your family and friends, so that they too can be edified by it. Likewise, I would like you to leave your comments and impressions about this article at the bottom of the page.

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Notes: (a) Galatians 5:22,23, (b) John 14:24, (c) Extract from the Book Partakers of the Divine Nature. Johnny A. Gomez, (d) Psalm 3:5, (e) Psalm 4:8, (f) definition of Eiréné: Strong’s Concordance 1515, (f) definition of Merimnaó: Strong’s Concordance 3309, (h) Isaiah 26:3.

Post photo (featured image): Photo by Guillaume Soucy on Pexels.com.

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