After the birth of their fifth child, a couple received a playpen from some friends. Several weeks later, a thank you note arrived in the mail from the new mother. It read, “The playpen is wonderful. Just what I needed. I sit in it every afternoon and read for an hour. Without five kids hanging all over me, I’m finally able to get a little peace and quiet.”
That would be nice.
In the last 4000 years, there have been fewer than 300 years of world “peace and quiet” and never more than four consecutive years in a row. Even as I write this entry, Israelis and Palestinians are once again at war, launching daily rocket attacks into each other’s cities. Our nation has experienced an exponential increase in political polarization, racial unrest and ideological division. In 2021, the United States averaged more than one mass shooting per day. Instances of depression, self-harm and suicide continue to rise, especially among teenagers. Conflict is a never-ending reality—globally, domestically and personally.
Not surprisingly, with the convergence of a worldwide pandemic, political rhetoric and record unemployment, the most frequently searched topics in the YouVersion Bible App in 2020 were “fear” and “anxiety.” Founder Bobby Gruenewald said, “Through every hardship, people continue to seek God and turn to the Bible for strength, peace, and hope.” This was as much true for the recipients of Isaiah’s prophecy thousands of years ago as it is today. Surrounded by conflict on every side, God promised a Savior, then and now, who will be called our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 6:9).
I COME IN PEACE
Peacemaking was the centerpiece of Jesus’ ministry. That’s why His birth announcement, sung by a heavenly choir, proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Jesus’ arrived on a mission of peace. He is the Captain—the Prince—of all peace.
The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means more than the absence of conflict. It refers to the safety, flourishing and well-being of people. Where there is peace, we expect to find wholeness, prosperity, health, and harmony.
And, this is what Jesus offered those who trust in Him. In fact, as Jesus looked to His imminent death, He comforted His troubled disciples by saying, “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). And His first words after His resurrection were “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19). Jesus is peace and there are three dimensions to the peace He brings.
Most importantly, Jesus secures upward peace for us. This is vertical peace with God. All people are born sinners, deserving of God’s wrath. We are enemies, in perpetual conflict with our Creator. Only Jesus can end this struggle through His death on the cross. He gave Himself to satisfy the demands of God’s justice, and when a person trusts Jesus’ sacrifice, they are put into a right relationship with God. Paul writes, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Peace with God is found through faith in Jesus.
Second, Jesus secures inward peace for us. This is the internal contentment and gladness a person enjoys because they trust that God is at the helm of life. God’s Word affirms, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). When we know that God has set us free from sin, welcomes us without blame, and has secured for us a guaranteed eternity with him, we can rest in peace free from any earthly anxiety or concern. The transcendent peace of God perpetually guards our heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Duke University conducted a study on people who have a such a “peace of mind.” They discovered several characteristics:
- An absence of suspicion and resentment. People at peace don’t nurse grudges.
- Not living in the past. People at peace embrace forgiveness and aren’t dragged down by old mistakes and failures.
- Refusal to waste time and energy fighting conditions they cannot change. They look forward in hope.
- Refusal to indulge in self-pity when life hands them a raw deal. People at peace aren’t victims but optimistic conquerors.
- Ability to laugh at circumstances. People at peace can breathe because they know this life is passing.
- Compassion toward others. People at peace take the focus off themselves and are concerned for their neighbor’s needs.
- Pursue something bigger than themselves. Knowing that God has set them free, they walk by faith to make a difference.
Finally, Jesus secures outward peace for us. Peace with God enables us to live peaceably with others. Grace begets grace. Paul writes that God has given every Christian a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). This means that forgiven and free people can and must be emissaries of heavenly peace in the world. Forgive your enemy, preach hope, announce the Good News of the Kingdom, be the aroma of joy in every place. Bring peace to everyone, everywhere, because the peace of God rules in your soul. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
The peace and quiet you’re seeking is found in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Bring Him your burdens and anxieties—the battle inside and outside. Let Him handle your hardest problem and restore your most difficult relationships. He has made a way for the wars to cease between you and God. Continue to trust Him in your relationships with others. And trust Him to settle your heart in shalom because you know Him and you know He cares for you.