Finding Peace in a Chaotic World
In a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control, where do we find true peace? As we enter the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and hope, it's worth reflecting on what we're really searching for in life.
Many of us chase after money, thinking it will solve our problems. Others pursue relationships or simply aim for happiness. While these aren't necessarily bad goals, they often fall short of providing the deep, lasting peace we crave.
Two thousand years ago, the Roman Empire was gripped by oppression, heavy taxation, and military rule. People longed for deliverance. It was into this tumultuous world that angels appeared to shepherds with a revolutionary announcement:
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
The message concluded with a profound declaration: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Peace. It's what Jesus consistently offered throughout his ministry. "Peace be with you," he would say when greeting people. "Go in peace," he'd instruct as they departed. Even after his resurrection, his message remained the same: "Grace and peace be with you."
But what is this peace, and how do we attain it?
The prophet Isaiah provides insight: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3)
The Hebrew word for peace here is "shalom" – a concept of wholeness, completeness, and fullness both inside and out. In fact, the phrase "perfect peace" in Hebrew is "shalom shalom" – a double portion of peace!
It's crucial to understand that this peace isn't found in the absence of problems. Jesus himself said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
True peace is found in the presence of God.
We all face challenges: betrayal, physical pain, family struggles, addiction, financial stress. The battle for peace begins in our minds. What consumes your thoughts? An endless to-do list? Financial worries? Political turmoil? That social media argument you can't let go?
The Apostle Paul offers this wisdom:
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
He goes on to instruct us to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This intentional shift in focus is key to experiencing God's peace.
So where exactly is this peace found?
1. In God's presence: Anxiety levels decrease in praise and worship as we connect with our Creator.
2. In God's perspective: Understanding our place in God's grand narrative brings comfort.
3. In God's assurance: The promise of eternal security allows us to face temporary troubles with hope.
Before his crucifixion, Jesus left his disciples with these words: "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)
He didn't leave them with political solutions, financial security, or worldly success. He left them with HIS peace – a peace that surpasses understanding.
You might be thinking, "You don't know my situation. It's too big. Peace isn't possible." And you're right – I don't know your specific circumstances. But God does. He invites you to draw close to him, hear his voice, and experience his shalom.
Consider the story of Job, a man who lost everything – including all ten of his children in a single day. At the end of his ordeal, Job had ten more children. While this doesn't erase the pain of his loss, it speaks to Job's remarkable ability to trust God again. He opened himself to the vulnerability of love and the potential for more suffering. This is the price of peace: surrendering our expectations and control for the freedom found in God's presence, perspective, and assurance.
Perhaps no story illustrates this better than that of Horatio Spafford. After losing his fortune in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and his four-year-old son to scarlet fever, Spafford sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England while he wrapped up some business. Tragically, the ship sank, claiming the lives of all four girls. As Spafford sailed to join his grieving wife, the ship's captain informed him they were passing over the spot where his daughters had perished.
In that moment of unimaginable sorrow, Spafford penned these immortal words:
"When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll—
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well with my soul."
This is not the fleeting peace of financial security or when everything is going our way. It's the profound peace of God that sustains us even in our darkest hours. Peace isn't the absence of heartache or disappointment; it's the abiding presence of God.
Whatever you're facing right now, fix your thoughts on Him. Reach out and receive the peace that only He can provide – peace in the midst of fear, doubt, anxiety, and loss. Remember, you're made right with God by grace alone. It's Jesus plus nothing – not religion, not good works, not generosity. Just Jesus.