In order to prepare my heart for the Thanksgiving holiday, I usually begin each November with a post on the topic of gratitude. However, to be honest, I’m not thinking about gratitude that much today. I’m quite distracted with thoughts of the election (which is tomorrow) and with the deep divisions that characterize our nation right now. Because of this, I’m going to look at the topic of peace.
When I think of peace, my mind conjures up images of reading by the side of a cozy fire while drinking hot chocolate, neighbors working together for the good of the community, and children running through a field of wildflowers. Do these really characterize peace, though? If they do, then peace is very fragile because the fireside scene can easily be destroyed by an argument with a spouse, neighbors can disagree over what is good for the community, and the wildflowers can be destroyed by bad weather.
I believe that the scenes I’ve described above are examples of the world’s peace. I believe God’s peace—a peace we can have as His followers—is quite different. How exactly does God’s peace differ from the world’s peace? Let’s take a look.
How God’s peace is different from the world’s peace
I believe there are at least three significant ways that God’s peace differs from the peace offered by the world.
God’s peace is not temporary or based on circumstances
When the world gives us peace, it is based on what is happening around us. We feel peace when everyone in our communities gets along. We feel peace when the weather is calm. We feel peace when we experience health. Because circumstances change, this peace is temporary. We no longer feel peace when there are protests in our communities. We no longer feel peace when we’re hit by a hurricane or evacuated because of a wildfire. We no longer feel peace when we get a cancer diagnosis or a loved one dies of COVID-19.
God’s peace, on the other hand, isn’t based on circumstances. It is based on Him and He doesn’t change (Hebrews 13:8).
“‘For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness will not depart from you, and my covenant of peace will not be removed,’ says the Lord who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10
“For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“‘I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33
God’s peace is not a goal we must achieve while we struggle, it is a gift given to us while we struggle
No one wants to struggle and suffer in vain. Christians and non-Christians alike say encouraging phrases to bolster our spirits when we struggle (“what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” “I’ll be better able to help others after this,” etc.). These sorts of statements put the onus on us to feel better about the struggling—we have to strive to find peace for ourselves amidst the chaos, suffering, and pain.
In contrast, God’s peace is a gift He gives to us. It’s not something for which we have to strive.
“You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
“‘Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.’” John 14:27
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
God’s peace calms us and agitates us
One can’t really understand the concept of God’s peace without having an understanding of the concept of shalom. Shalom is a Hebrew word translated as peace in the Bible. Shalom doesn’t mean to feel calm or to be free of conflict. It has to do with wholeness in all of life. Shalom is “multidimensional, complete well-being—physical, psychological, social, and spiritual; it flows from all of one’s relationships being put right—with God, with(in) oneself, and with others” (source).
In order to have shalom with God, others, and within ourselves, sometimes we must first experience some lack of shalom. In order to have shalom with God, we must recognize our sin, repent of it, and choose to follow God. In order to have shalom with others, we must do away with the judgement, oppression, and greed that occur in our interpersonal relationships. In order to have shalom within ourselves, we must steadfastly set our minds on God.
This is difficult to wrap our heads around because it seems like a contradiction. It seems like we should feel calm as we catch glimpses of shalom, but the Bible says that these glimpses may actually show us what is wrong, agitating or disturbing us so we take action to right these wrongs. For example, we may feel grief—not peace—because of our sin. This grief leads us to repent (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), which brings shalom with God. Likewise, we may feel pity—not peace—when we see a fellow human who has been mistreated (Luke 10:25-37). This pity leads us to lend a helping hand, which moves us closer to having shalom with others.
Final thoughts
I hope you and I both experience God’s peace in the coming days and weeks. When we do, I hope we remember that it isn’t based on circumstances and it isn’t something for which we have to strive. On occasions when we don’t feel peace because we see things that stand in the way of shalom, let’s be courageous and right wrongs so that we can experience it.
What do you do when you feel troubled? Do you ask God for peace? How do you think God’s peace differs from the world’s peace?
Thank you for “unpacking” the word and concept of shalom. I will be thinking about it and the 1 Corinthians 7 verse over the coming days.
You’re welcome, Mary. I’m particularly challenged by the concept of shalom. It’s so different from what I usually think of when I think of peace.
What a great topic, Shannon! I particularly like what you say about about how God’s peace isn’t based on our external circumstances-that makes me think a lot of St. Paul, from the New Testament. He, of all people, had plenty of stressful situations that would make me feel anything but peaceful! Yet, he so centered his life on God that so much peace and joy radiate from his letters in the New Testament.
Something that has been helping me me center my life on God and on my own need for repentance lately is the Jesus Prayer (which is commonly prayed by Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner). I pray it often, throughout each day, and it is a great way to reorient each day and draw my eyes back to God’s loving mercy.
I like that Jesus Prayer. Simple and truthful. I would definitely benefit from repeating it throughout the day!
This is such a great perspective on the world’s concept of peace versus God’s peace. This is a topic I love! (Even wrote a whole book about it! 😉 Peace amidst the Mayhem). One way I’ve verbalized the feeling of peace is that it happens when we feel completely loved and love completely. The foundation of that is God, as he loves us and teaches us how to love. I’m so grateful that we can have this peace no matter what circumstances we’re in. Thank you for sharing these insights! I’m visiting today from the Encouraging Hearts and Home linkup. Have a great day Shannon!
I don’t think I’ve thought about peace having to do with feeling loved and loving completely. I’ll have to give some thought to this connection. Thanks for stopping by!