In one of my “core memories,” as they say, it’s a December night eight years ago, and I’m sitting in a quiet hospital room holding our tiny new baby, Jeneva Noël. Large flakes of snow are falling outside, and the landscape is aglow with twinkling lights beneath the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.
Jeneva’s name means “pursuer of peace,” and peace certainly defined that moment. For many reasons, it was a priceless gift. The weeks prior had been full of anxiousness and unknowns as we closely monitored our baby’s slowing growth. In fact, throughout the pregnancy, the Lord had been teaching me true peace—what it is, where it comes from, and what it means to pursue it and live in its reality. He allowed me to walk through many circumstances that tested my preconceived ideas and deepened my knowledge of who He is: the Prince of Peace Himself.
He Is Our Peace
When I think of peace, I think of tranquility. Calm. Quiet. White beaches or green mountains. Stress-free and carefree days. Harmony in relationships. Some of these ideas of peace are found in Scripture; however, I’ve often fallen into the trap of thinking that peace is primarily a feeling. So when circumstances outside my control arise—my kids’ health situations, strained relationships, or some other crisis—peace feels elusive . . . drowned out by anxiety, sadness, anger, or overwhelm.
This is why it’s important to understand peace as a reality that does not change when we encounter trials and suffering. Peace originates in the unchanging person of Jesus, and it never runs dry, regardless of what we’re facing or what our emotions might tell us.
Let’s take a look at some Scriptures that give us a glimpse into this glorious truth.
For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:14)
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23)
We are constantly under the effect of sin’s consequences—reverberations that shatter the peace in which we were intended to live, like natural disasters, broken relationships, sickness, wars, and more. However, the Lord remains unchanging. And in His love and mercy, He set a plan in motion to restore peace for all who would accept the free gift of salvation through His Son. The angels declared this incredible truth on the night Jesus was born: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!” (Luke 2:14).
Though the proclamation itself might be familiar, the wonder of its message should always evoke awe and worship in our hearts. As His redeemed children, we experience bright glimmers of restoration in this life. One day we’ll experience it in full when Jesus returns in all His glory.
He Gives His Peace
God desires for us to live in everlasting, unshakeable peace here and now, regardless of our circumstances. How? By turning our gaze to Him. Isaiah 26:3–4 says,
You will keep the mind that is dependent on you
in perfect peace,
for it is trusting in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
because in the LORD, the LORD himself, is an everlasting rock!
This peace is not fleeting, nor something we can manufacture on our own in the face of difficulty. Instead, its unchanging existence is proven in the midst of the most terrifying circumstances. How else could David declare,
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3–4)
True peace is accessed through eyes of faith. Our emotions will still try to rise to the top. But that’s when we must anchor our hearts to the unshakeable peace of Christ, trusting that He remains eternally unshaken, able to steady us in the wind and waves of life.
His Peace Is Powerful and Practical
One evidence that we are living in faith and turning our eyes to the Lord is when we obey what His Word tells us about living in His peace. He has lovingly given clear instructions for what to do when the cares of life grow heavy. God’s peace isn’t an abstract concept, but one that informs and transforms the details of everyday life.
In Philippians 4:6–7 we read,
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Though the Lord has been teaching me about living in His peace for many years, in stressful moments it’s easy to look at a passage like the one above with an “I already know that” attitude, and then rush to find other solutions in my own strength.
A while back, as I was facing some fearful circumstances and praying for God’s help, He brought Philippians 4:6–7 and several other verses to the forefront of my mind. He was convicting my heart with the questions:
- Do you actually obey this?
- Do you take every anxious thought captive?
- Do you express every care to me and entrust it into my hands?
- Do you couple asking with thanksgiving?
In the days that followed, I determined to intentionally live out these imperatives. In doing so, I realized—to my shock—just how often I didn’t obey them . . . certainly not every time an anxious thought arose. It was humbling. But as I sought to be more obedient in the weeks that followed, I was floored by the increased evidence of His peace. I knew that my mind and heart were being guarded by this powerful reality.
The hard circumstances didn’t change, and the usual feelings continued to show up. But I knew where to go when the unease in the pit of my stomach began: to His throne of grace. I realized I wasn’t being controlled by my feelings, but rather guarded from them as their power was diffused by His peace.
Through our obedience, God gives wisdom for other practical ways we can cultivate peace in our lives and homes. For me, it sometimes means going to bed earlier or cutting back the time I spend on social media (especially when the algorithm insists on showing me every sad story and sick child). Sometimes it means stopping to play a game and laugh with my children, or apologizing for the snippy tone I used to instruct them. Sometimes it’s accomplishing a necessary task that I’d put off for too long. Or checking to be sure I hadn’t offended a certain friend (and making it right if I had).
When God’s peace rules in our hearts, we can see more clearly where and how to pursue it in every area of our lives. But there’s one more thing I want to point out—the wording used in the verses above, and in this one below:
And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
Rule & Guard
God’s peace isn’t a flimsy peace: it’s powerful. It won’t blow away when the winds hit and our emotions tell us it’s all over. In the storm, God’s peace proves to be as strong as He says it is.
I recently saw a compilation video of mama birds spreading their wings over their little ones during rain storms. Huddled together, tiny birds peeked out their heads, catching raindrops before quickly ducking back under the protection and warmth of their mothers’ wings. They knew they were safe there.
God uses this exact illustration to describe His protection of us.
He will cover you with his feathers;
You will take refuge under his wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield. (Psalm 91:4)
As we consider the Prince of Peace this Christmas, let’s remember that His peace isn’t an abstract thought for everyone else to entertain. It’s for us. Right here, right now. Once we’ve been saved by His grace, we are to be vessels of that peace, sharing it with this world so desperately in need.
Will we believe it? Will we live it?
Join me in meditating on these words of Jesus for His followers:
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27)
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