Peace In The Midst Of Chaos

Chaos surrounds us in this world. Terrible, unthinkable things happen each day that leave everyone searching desperately for this seemingly elusive state of mind called “peace”. 

Many people look for it in the form of new-age practices, such as yoga, meditation, calming crystals, and more. 

Others think peace will come when things are going right for them. They think that when they “have their lives together” or “are with the person they love” or “are fulfilling their dreams”, that they’ll feel the peace they’ve been searching for. 

But the Bible tells us where the real source of peace is: Jesus. 

In John 16, Jesus was setting His disciples up for success. He knew His time left on earth was short, and He wanted His disciples to be completely prepared + warned of what would come. But He didn’t just warn them of the dangers they’d face as bearers of His name– He gave them promises to hold on to as well. 

John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” 

Jesus was setting the premise that regardless of what bad things went on around them, they could still have peace. They could have the peace that He promised them. 

I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and Philippians 4:6-7 in particular. It 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

What about this peace makes it “surpass all comprehension”? I’ve been considering that a lot lately. This is the conclusion that I’ve come to: it’s not that the peace itself surpasses our understanding– although it is so incredible too– but the fact that this peace can be ever–present no matter what types of crazy things are going on around us.

The reason I say that this peace “can” be ever present is because although it’s available to everybody, not everyone takes it. 

Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. 

You see, God never forces anybody to do anything. If He did, we’d be nothing more than robots, there’d be no sin on the earth, and free will would be non–existent. 

But that’s not how God does things.  

Just like with salvation, when God offers us something, He lets us decide whether or not we’ll take it. 

We don’t have to take salvation if we don’t want to. And we don’t have to take His peace, either, if we don’t want to. 

To be honest, there are times when I don’t feel like taking the peace He offers. Not because I don’t want peace, but because it can be so hard to get out of the self–pitying + stressed out mindset. 

But what does it actually look like to let this peace reign in our hearts? 

It means that we are to live out what Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” 

Isaiah 26:3 goes right along with that verse, telling us that the steadfast mind, God will keep in perfect peace if we trust in Him. 

It all goes back to the fact that God is offering us a great gift, but we have to choose whether or not we’ll take it. Right now, He is offering you His peace, but it’s up to you to decide if you’ll take it. 

I can speak from real, raw experiences that it works. His peace works when things feel like they’re falling apart all around you, but only if you choose it. If you focus on God and let His peace rule in your heart. If you trust in Him (I’m also preaching to myself here–I’m not perfect.).

This has been really encouraging to me, knowing that no matter what, God’s peace is available to me. 

I’m trying to let it rule in my heart more and more each day. 

How about you? Did this encourage you? What are your thoughts on this? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!