In a world that feels increasingly unsettled, the word peace carries both longing and confusion.
The Bible speaks of a peace that is deeper than circumstances and stronger than chaos. Here are 5 facets of peace for followers of Christ.
The Christian’s PEACE with God is initiated by God.
The Spirit reveals in Colossians 1:19-20, “For it pleased the Father… to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His Cross.”
“Him” is Christ in this verse. Christian, our salvation is settled!
Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This legal transaction of “justified by faith” means God has declared peace with us, made possible by the Cross-Work of Jesus Christ.
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10).
Praise be to God for His propitiation and atonement!
The Christian’s PEACE of God is sustained by prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
I’ve experienced this “surpasses all understanding” by the ministry of the Spirit a few times. But I don’t always live worry-free. Do you ever struggle with the first 4 words of this verse?
Hear how JB Phillips renders that verse in his NT translation. “Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer.”
Perhaps our problem with experiencing the peace of God is that we rush past the first part of these prayer instructions.
The Christian’s PEACE in God is grown by trust.
Isaiah 26:3 tells us, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”
This facet moves peace from theology into daily posture. This growing peace is not the absence of pressure but the presence of TRUST.
Peace grows into “Shalom Shalom” as we focus on God.
The Christian’s PEACE with others is practiced by intention.
Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” The Spirit acknowledges reality.
PEACE with others is not always fully achievable if we think of it as complete reconciliation of a relationship.
But the follower of Christ can still be at PEACE with broken people and the messy situations they perpetuate. This is not passive, but it looks like chosen boundaries, practiced forgiveness, and guarded clarity.
If you struggle with this, I recommend sitting quietly for a month in Romans 12:17-21. See how the Holy Spirit connects PEACE with personal responsibility rather than perfect outcomes.
The Christian’s PEACE for the world is expressed by witness.
Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Our final facet reminds us that our peace is distinct. When believers live with settled hearts in unsettled times, peace becomes visible. It points people toward Christ without a single argument. “By your patience, possess your souls” (Luke 21:19)!
In every generation, there are voices predicting collapse and fueling panic.
But followers of Christ are not called to live like Chicken Little. She thought the sky was falling because an acorn fell from a tree and hit her on the head. She allowed her experience to grow into panic. She gathered other barnyard animals, convincing them of the pending doom, and they all set off to tell the king.
The story is a cautionary tale about jumping to conclusions and mass hysteria. It reminds us not to believe everything we hear or to let fear lead us astray.
Let’s pack a to-go plate.
Peace is not a single experience. It is initiated by God, sustained by prayer, cultivated by trust, practiced with others, and displayed to the world.
Maybe you need peace with God. Perhaps you need the peace of God for an anxious heart. Maybe you need courage to practice peace in a difficult relationship.
Reach out, and I’ll be glad to pray for you.
