JESSICA ROAN | GUEST

Lately, it seems as though I am on an endless quest for peace. I find myself attempting to recreate my most peaceful experiences, like the summer I worked at Yellowstone Lake or the visits our family took to our local park when our town was still small and less populated than it is now. What exactly am I searching for? The dictionary defines “peace” as “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” Is that what I’m seeking? Absolutely. Now, I know that retreating to these beloved places will not rid my world of “disturbances,” but watching the virgin crystal blue waves or visiting the spot where my once little boys played brings a sense of calm in an otherwise disturbing world. Whether it is challenging personal relationships, an ever-rising crime rate, pervasive government corruption, or endless wars and rumors of wars, the world is full of anything but peace.

Peace is Biblical

I must ask myself: Is it wrong for me to want peace in my life? After John the Baptist was beheaded, Jesus “withdrew” to a “desolate” place (Matt. 14:13). In Mark 3 and Luke 9, he “withdrew” with his disciples. Apparently, Jesus sought peace amidst his busy ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing. When Jesus taught about prayer, he encouraged the disciples to “go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:6). Psalm 46:10 commands us to “Be still, and know that I am God” Searching for peace can’t be all wrong, then, can it? If God wants us to retreat to pray and “be still,” the quest for solitude can have a purpose. But what is that purpose?

God’s Peace is Different from the World’s

While it is difficult for me to imagine a place more peaceful than Yellowstone Lake at midnight, or the Beartooth Mountains once the summer visitors have left, God’s peace transcends even the most peaceful places in his creation. While trying to explain to his disciples how he had to leave them and send his Holy Spirit, he comforts them by saying, “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” (Luke 14:27). Similarly, as Paul instructs the church at Philippi, he includes, “. . . do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

No matter how hard we try, we can’t replicate the peace of God. It does not come from the physical solitude we crave or an absence of screaming children, endless chores, long hours at work, or the challenge of being in relationships with other sinful people. It comes from God alone and can occur on a hike in the mountains or even in the chaos of a busy life.

True Peace Will Be Found in Heaven

When John describes the “new heaven” and “new earth” in Revelation 21, he relates, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ’Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away’” (Rev. 21: 3-4). Temporary moments of peace, whether it be solitude in the mountains, or an evening of quiet after a long day at work, is really just a shadow of heaven, the place of perfect peace. It is there where we will escape the physical, emotional, and mental suffering we endure until we meet our Savior face to face. As Randy Alcorn relates, “Nothing is more often misdiagnosed than our homesickness for Heaven. We think that what we want is sex, drugs, alcohol, a new job, a raise, a doctorate, a spouse, a large-screen television, a new car, a cabin in the woods, a condo in Hawaii. What we really want is the person we were made for, Jesus, and the place we were made for, Heaven. Nothing less can satisfy us.” In other words, the ultimate quest for peace ends in one place.

Peace on Earth

So, the question remains, is there any peace to be found here on Earth? Along with Christ’s many promises of immediate peace in Luke 14, the angels in Luke 2 proclaimed “peace on earth.” Clearly, his peace is for us now, not just in eternity. It is the peace he provides through his sacrificial death, restoring us into right relationship with God. So, how do we find this peace in the midst of busyness or trouble? Christ calls us to abide in him (John 15). We can do so through prayer and meditating on his Word. While we may not always be able to withdraw and spend time with our Father as Jesus did, we can pray while cooking dinner or folding laundry. We can meditate on Scripture while waiting for a son or daughter to finish a music lesson or sports practice. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we always have access to God through Christ, and as we seek him, we find our source of peace.

As we begin a new year, the question remains: Will the world settle down? No. Will our cities and towns become safer? Not likely. Will the endless busyness of life suddenly slow down? Nope. Even so, peace is available to us right now. Shortly before his crucifixion, Christ warned his disciples that they would be “scattered,” leaving him alone. Despite this confusing and disheartening message, Christ says, “I have said these things to you that, in me you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But, behold, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Lord, help us to find in you the peace that passes all understanding.

Photo by Andrew Castillo on Unsplash