EVERYTHING WE NEED: Peace: Is it Beyond Our Reach?
Karen Michell
Every day, our ears and eyes are assaulted with bad and frightening news —rampant crime, drug crises, suicides, sex trafficking, border crises, wars and corruption in government, to name a few. We also see the devastation across the world from earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, floods — the list goes on. Depression, despair and anxiety are at an all-time high, resulting from the loss of a job and income, from illness or grief and from trying to cope with high prices of food and gas. We sense panic among people struggling to take care of their families. We need peace in this troubling world. Is it beyond our reach?
The answer is a resounding no! For believers in Christ, we can have true peace. “For to us a child is born… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6 NIV). Our peace comes from God. It’s genuine and it is free.
Before Jesus left His disciples, He told them about the coming and purpose of the Holy Spirit. Knowing the many challenges they would soon face, He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). What comforting words the Master spoke.
Peace can be described as tranquility or calmness of spirit. It is a mindset free from the troubles and worries that come into our lives. Yes, the world can seemingly give us peace, but it is only temporary until the next trial hits us. Jesus gives us permanent and true peace. Earlier, when Jesus was explaining to His disciples about the grief they would soon experience, He comforted them with these words: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We are not promised a trouble-free life. When trials hit us, finding the comforting peace we need and desire is often hard. That, however, is when we fall to our knees and cry out to God. He then comforts us and reminds us that He will be with us whatever we go through. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:5-7).
Unbelievers cannot claim that kind of peace from God. Because of all the terrible things happening in our world, they have a tremendous fear that the world is ending. They are terrified! I recently read an article by a woman named Leah Smith. She wrote about her phobia concerning the end times. As a teenager in a private school, the Bible was never opened, but there were plenty of erroneous teachings that only scared her more. She wouldn’t watch the news or read a newspaper. She could hardly enjoy life. Her church taught that Christians would go through the tribulation where they would be subjected to Antichrist. She could not find peace.
She was even more conscious of impending doom when she married and had children. How could a person bring a child into the world, knowing the horrors they would one day face? During this time, she was given two books about the end times. As she read them, the chains of fear began to break away. She had finally found the peace only God can give.
I was heartbroken at how many young people responded to her article and confessed that they, too, were overcome with fear and dread concerning the end times. Many of these young men and women had never been taught the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the peace He could give them. Some churches taught the wrong doctrine, increasing their doubts and fears. We need to pray for those who want peace but don’t know how or where to find it. We need to pray for those leaders who have been called to teach and guide the youth in our churches.
Christians should not have a debilitating fear of the future. God is in total control. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace in all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (II Thess. 3:16).