Peace with God

 By: Lauren Thomas 

Is peace a feeling? Sure. When we feel peace, we have a sense of well-being, tranquility, serenity. Most people enjoy a sense of peace and calm. In fact, some people build their lives to increase feelings of peace. (It’s me – I’m raising my hand here.)

 

But peace is not just a feeling.

 

(And as someone who can put too much value in my feelings…)

 

Peace is an “objective reality, not just a subjective experience.” I came across this phrase in my ESV study Bible when researching Romans 5:1. And I can’t get it out of my head!

 

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 ESV

 

For context, Paul is writing about the justification and reconciliation we have with God through our faith in Jesus Christ. Because of our faith in Jesus, we have peace with God. There is literally peace between us and God.

 

Even if I don’t “feel” peace, I am guaranteed peace between me and God. And that is where peace really matters, right? Because any sense of peace is artificial without having the peace that comes through reconciliation with God. Romans 5:1 reminds us that through faith in Jesus, we do have the kind of peace that really counts. Without this kind of peace, we have no real peace.

 

Regardless of my feelings, I have peace with God.

 

I – and all of us really – can’t always trust feelings. See Jeremiah 17:9. Our feelings matter. Our feelings can give us important information. Our emotions can feel really good or really bad. But they aren’t always accurate markers of what is real. Romans 5 assures us of our peace with God, but sometimes we don’t/won’t “feel” that we are at peace with God. Praise God, He is bigger than our feelings.

 

19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 

1 John 3:20 ESV

 

Today, remember that by faith in Jesus, you have peace with God. Even if you don’t “feel” peace, you have the peace that matters more than any other kind of peace. It is an objective reality.

 

Reflection:

Can you think of a time that your feelings did not reflect truth? What is your experience of peace in your relationship with God? How can you remind yourself of your peace with God today?