"Peace, Perfect Peace"

July 29, 2022 | By Chuck

There may be some debate as to where peace comes from or if it even exists in this life. For many years people have sought to find peace in relationships, money, their career, and having more stuff. I’ll never forget the bumper sticker that said, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” My question is, what do they win? The world has conditioned many to believe that the more stuff (toys) you have, the more peace you have. All of the things I listed are important to some extent, but they are also inconsistent. What I mean is, sometimes those things are good and sometimes they’re not so good. So, if your peace comes from stuff in this life, your peace will always be fluctuating and never constant or consistent.

            Real, true, perfect peace is consistent and constant calmness and tranquility that doesn’t waver because of circumstances. Peace based on the circumstances of life is not true peace at all. Perfect peace only comes from the God of peace. When we become a Christian, we have peace with God. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). “Peace with God” means that God and I have a relationship now, and we are not at odds anymore because of my sin that was cleansed by the blood of His Son.

            When we have peace with God, we have a relationship with God and receive perfect peace from God. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:7). This peace that surpasses all understanding only comes from God. It’s a peace that calms the anxious heart and soul of God’s child in the darkest of times. It’s difficult to truly comprehend having peace during life’s trials and hardships. I suppose that could be why Paul refers to this peace from God as “peace that surpasses all understanding.” Peace, perfect peace only comes from having a relationship with the God of peace.

            “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9).