Where Peace Is Found

Dec 10, 2021

Have you ever said to yourself, “If only this happens, then my life will be so peaceful?”

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

- John 14:27

I really didn’t like high school. Academically, I don’t want to brag but I was an A student. However, emotionally and relationally, it was a big challenge. The reason being, I moved every year during high school, so I went to four different high schools! Lord, have mercy!

Part of the reason for this was because my parents went through struggles, as they were small business owners. I just remember packing, moving, and unloading. Then, repeating this for four straight years. Sure, it was fun to live in different places, but many times, life felt out of control.

In other words, there was no peace in my life.

And the problem for me was that I searched for peace horizontally.

I thought, if only I can stay at one place, have a certain kind of job or relationship or status, then I will have peace. If only I can achieve this or possess that, then I will have peace. Only if I have saved up this amount for retirement, then I will have peace. What is your “if only” in your search for peace?

John 14:27 reminds us to search for peace vertically. It is only the peace of Christ that can satisfy our hearts.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

This is why advent is helpful. I love advent because it disrupts our yearly rhythm of searching horizontally for peace so that we can look vertically to the Prince of Peace. Though it is encouraged to remember this daily, this season points our emptiness and restlessness to the one person in whom our hearts will find security and inner peace. To put it another way, creation will never be our savior.

So, this day, I want to read a few verses from God’s word that reveal to us where peace is found. It has refreshed and deepened my peace in Jesus, and I hope it does the same for you.

“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”

- Daniel 10:19

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

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

And lastly, as we receive this peace of Christ, we are called to be good neighbors and proclaim this peace to others.

How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

who bring good tidings,

who proclaim salvation.

- Isaiah 52:7

Friends, today, if you feel your spirit is in a hurry, I invite you to rest in the peace that only Jesus can provide. Read these verses at least ten times. Sit and meditate on them. God tells us that His words are living and active, so allow His words to saturate your soul. Also, consider someone you want to invite to our Christmas Eve services, where they will have a chance to encounter the great Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ!