God’s Peace

 By: Grace Metzger

I have said these things to you,
that in Me you may have peace. In
the world you will have tribulation. But
take heart; I have overcome the world.
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Lately a large focus of my life has been to work towards peace. I don’t think it would surprise those who knew me to know that I am a very anxious person so peace was never my strong suit. But when I opened my Bible app a few weeks ago and saw John 16:33 as the verse of the day I got that concept stuck in my mind. 

To start my journey, I’ve been trying to figure out what the Bible means when it talks about peace. To preface this, I am not theologian or Bible scholar, I am not someone who can figure out which Greek word they use where and what it means. Although I am working towards being more knowledgeable in this stuff I am not there yet. But what I found when I was looking through what the Bible says on peace is that almost all the verses talk about being with God and having peace. You might think, “Grace, what significance does that have?” To which I would answer, a lot! The world’s definition of peace is “freedom of disturbance” but God’s definition is different. His definition of peace is about being with Him, being one with God. 

While the world’s defines peace has as having an undisturbed life where nothing is going wrong, God is talking about a calmness from being with Him that doesn’t waiver no matter what life throws at you. That is true peace. God never promises us a perfect life where nothing goes wrong, but He says that if we stay with Him, we will have peace through the storm.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death,
but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All He asks us to do is set on our mind on Him. God gives us clear instructions on how to have peace and yet so many of us are suffering because we are lacking peace. Leave it to us to take one of the most simplest concept and still find a way to struggle!

And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When we have His peace, we don’t have to worry about our hearts and minds, God tell us all we have to do is be with Him and He will protect us. So why are we still struggling with it? I think it’s human nature to focus more on the storm around us them anything else. We have to be intentional about keeping our focus on God throughout everything, whether you are going through trials and tribulations or if everything is working perfectly for you. We need to keep our focus on God throughout everything. This is how we get that indescribable peace of God!

Discussion Question: what does peace mean to you?