Real Peace – Is it Just a Myth?

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and I couldn’t be more excited! Christmas is my favorite time of year; the decorations, the lights, the good food, the time with family and friends, and of course celebrating the birth of my Savior. As has most of 2020, Christmas this year will look very different in many ways. One of the sentiments we often hear around this season is peace. “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men” is a line in a very familiar Christmas song. I think that this year, more than ever, we all need that peace on earth.

I don’t know about you, but I have often found peace to be elusive. There are people in my life who are the definition of peace. It doesn’t matter what is going on around them, it doesn’t matter what situations they find themselves in, they are just at peace. They are calm, cool, and collected and do not allow fear, anxiety, doubt, or insecurity knock them out. How do they have this peace you ask? (Trust me, I have asked that same question). The answer is Jesus.

There is an incredible peace when you have a relationship with Jesus. But, taking it a step further, it is not just the relationship, but the ability to accept and dwell within that peace. This I have found to be the key to true, lasting peace. As a Christian who has a relationship with Jesus, I have struggled to find my peace in this year and in other situations in my life. It wasn’t because Jesus didn’t have the peace to give me, it was because I did not take the time to spend with Him and really fill my heart with His word and His presence which brings the peace we all so desperately need.

One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 26:3 which says, “you will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” A steadfast mind is one that is firm and unwavering. It is setting our hearts and minds firmly on our trust in Jesus to take care of all that is swirling around us. Only then can we have that calm contentment of peace when life feels out of control. Another scripture I love is Philippians 4:6-7, which says, “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Having a peace that is beyond my understanding is a peace I want because it means the only explanation I have when people ask why I’m so peaceful in the chaos is Jesus.

In the book of Galatians God lays out the fruit that should be evident in a Christian believer. One of those is the fruit of peace. Not only am I getting the benefits of peace as a believer, but I am also testifying to those around me what true peace looks like, therefore pointing them to Jesus. If you are a fellow believer today, I ask you to spend time with the Lord, let Him fill you with peace today. If you don’t know this peace I have spoken of, I encourage you to seek out God for yourself. Perhaps peace is not quite as elusive as it appears. Perhaps, if we all learn to dwell in the peace of Jesus, there can be peace on earth this Christmas season and in the days to follow.