Peace is such a simple word, yet it is such a difficult thing to attain. Right now, in our world, there are wars, hatred between people groups, divisions and conflicts among even the closest of people. Despite our human gravitation towards chaos, peace is something we all want. We hear it in classic Christmas songs – the desire for wars to end, a yearning to be home with family, to return to the things we remember. These are all expressions of the longing for peace.

God our Creator has put this in us. Peace is a thing made and given by Him. He designed for peace to be found in Him. In Isaiah 9:6, He said that one of the Messiah’s names would “Prince of Peace.” Upon announcing Jesus’ birth, the angels expressed God’s intent for “Peace on earth with whom He is pleased.”

So then, what is peace?

• The world typically thinks of it as a lack of conflict or hostility. This definition is true, as it is also found in the Bible in the context of military operations (ex Joshua 9:15, Luke 14:31-32). In Psalm 4:8 and Isaiah 57:2, 18-21, peace is linked to rest because of the absence of turmoil.
• Secondly, the Bible speaks of peace in the context of relationships.
  In the context of human relationships, it means to have harmony. Ephesians 2:14 says that Christ broke down the wall of hostility between Jewish and Gentile people and brought them together in peace.

  Paul exhorts us in Romand 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”But when it is with the Lord, peace means that we have been restored to a right relationship with Him.

  Romans 5:1 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  Colossians 1:20 – and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

  The Carol “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” summarizes it so neatly when it says, “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

• The third definition is similar the first. It is rest, serenity, or tranquility of the soul. But this peace is IN SPITE of conflict and turmoil. Jesus said that this peace is unlike the world’s.

  John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

  John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

  In his commentary, Barclay says of Jesus’ message in John 14, “The peace which the world offers us is the peace of escape. The peace which Jesus offers us is the peace of conquest.”

  In the midst of difficulty and trial, we can have peace – rest within our souls. Two classic hymns speak of this peace that comes from a life of dependence and walking with Him.
  “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace” (from The Solid Rock)
  “When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’” (from It Is Well With My Soul)

  This rest is because we know there is safety and security in the Lord. He is bigger and more powerful than anything we may face. He has overcome the world. He is a Sovereign God (Job 42:2, Psalm 103:19, Matthew 6:31-32, Colossians 1:16-17). He is a good and generous Father (Matthew 7:9-11, Romans 8:32, James 1:5, 17). He has perfect plans (Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 1:6). He uses everything for our good, to draw us closer to Him, and to make us more like Him (Romans 8:28-30, ).

So how do we get this peace?

When Jesus spoke of peace to the disciples in John 14, He spoke of difficult times and the fear that may come. But He promised that the Holy Spirit would come and teach them (this was immediately before Jesus spoke of peace). He then commanded us to abide in Him as branches to the vine (John 15:1-11). We have God’s presence and power dwelling within us. But Jesus tells us that we are to also constantly abide – to have a life of constant trust, prayer, dependence, and obedience. A life of peace is a byproduct of being “saturated” in the Lord.

Galatians 5 reinforces this point. When we are led by the Spirit, He produces love, joy, and peace in us (among many other characteristics). Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”

God even promises us that we can have peace in the specific moments that we may be tempted to worry.

“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds  in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, Net)

He says that, through prayer, we can bring our specific requests to Him in times of distress. God doesn’t promise us instantaneous deliverance. Instead, He promises us peace in those times.

Some may pursue peace by being alone. Some pursue peace by making everyone else agree with them. Some try to accomplish it by trying to please everyone. But true peace can be found amid temptation, chaos and trial, difficult relationships, disagreement, and in any situation. But it is found only through the Lord alone.

So, as you celebrate the Christmas season, meditate on the Prince of Peace and His promises of peace in any circumstance.

2 Peter 1:2 – Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.