A Peace the World Can't Give

So much of the world, and maybe even of our own homes and lives, is in a perpetual state of unrest. People struggle with all forms of anxiety, worries small and great, striving to be better and look better than the next person, and never-ending attempts to achieve that next big thing in careers or possessions.

There’s a lot of noise, and voices, and an onslaught of thoughts being expressed on a plethora of platforms.

All is the opposite of “peace” – a state of satisfaction, rest, and trust.

This peace is only possible in knowing Jesus Christ. “Knowing” is not just knowing about Him, but knowing Him. In relationship with Him, you will truly experience the peace He came to bring.

Peace Lost

Humans once had peace, but it was lost when Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden, thinking they could be their own gods rather than trust and obey His instructions that were meant to protect them from evil.

From then on, sin entered human nature and has caused pain, toil, and heartache. It separated us from God, the Source of life and blessing. The only way that sin dies is if the person dies, as we cannot be separated from our sin nature. Yet, sin has to be put to death if it is to no longer have power to destroy.

Peace Given

Jesus Christ came to this world as the perfect Son of God. He was fully God and fully man. He put Himself in the shoes of men and walked upon this earth, so that He could take our sin upon Himself and die to pay its penalty. Through His blood, we have redemption – the forgiveness of sins (see Colossians 1:14). The perfect Bridge between God and man, He reconciled the two. Now, when we put our faith and trust in Christ, we can have access to God once again – like Adam and Eve did in the Garden before they rebelled. We are no longer exposed to His wrath that is aimed at sin; we are once again hidden within His protective covering.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… (Romans 5:1).

Peace to Enjoy

Just before He was put to death, Jesus told His disciples:

“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” (John 14:27).

The peace that Jesus Christ has made possible for us is meant to be enjoyed. Because of this peace we can live with great joy and hope, even in the troubles we may experience in our lives on this earth. That is because this peace includes the promise of eternal life. Jesus Christ not only died to pay the penalty for our sin and set us free from its power; He also rose from the grave, victorious over death!

Because He lives, you can put your faith and trust in Him and receive forgiveness for sin as well as eternal life in Heaven.

With this comes ready access for transformative and powerful peace in every circumstance:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing 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).