Picture a still lake, an undisturbed forest, a mind at rest, a couple quietly holding hands as they sit out back on their glider. In all its many forms, peace is beautiful. Like other good things on earth, the gift of peace “is from above” (James 1:17). Peace is not homegrown within the human heart. As Isaiah wrote, “Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us” (Is 26:12). Paul agreed, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Gal 5:22). God is the author of peace.

“There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked” (Is 48:22). Our sins make peace with a sinless God impossible. So, God devised an amazing way to save us from the storm of our sin and provide eternal serenity to our souls. God chose to send and punish Jesus, His Beloved Son, instead of punishing us. “He was pierced for our transgressions…The punishment that brought us peace was upon him” (Is 53:5)..And when Christ came, the Father, was “through him reconciling to himself all things…by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Col 1:19). Jesus, alone, is the “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6). Long before He came, “Gideon built an altar to the Lord… and called it, “The Lord is Peace.” (Judges 6:24). And after He ascended to heaven Paul wrote, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1).

Peace is as obvious as its opposites: turmoil, confusion and despair. God wants us to be at rest, filled with peace. To experience this special gift of Jesus who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). But how can this be attained? Paul answers, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7). Peace is achievable only by a faith that is active in prayer. Isaiah caught this truth long before Messiah came, when he said,“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Is 26:3).

Peace and patience are twins. Peace and pressure are opponents. Trust in God, in His timing, in His plan. In His goodness. And realize that most pressures are put on us by ourselves. We push and struggle for that which we crave, rather than peacefully walking with our God. “…The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num 6:26).