A Reflection on Peace

I want to speak to you about something I believe we have all felt deeply this past week. We’ve seen unrest, turmoil, and heartbreak in our world, and I know it’s touched your spirit just as it has mine. A couple of weeks ago, we reflected on joy. But today, God has placed it on my heart to reflect with you on peace—the peace that comes from above.

In Romans 14:17, Paul says that peace is an element of the kingdom of God. Then again, in Galatians 5:22, he includes peace as a fruit of the Spirit. So I want you to hear me clearly: peace isn’t just a feeling. It’s not just the absence of conflict. Peace is a deep, spiritual condition—it’s something God offers as part of His very nature.

When I talk about peace, I’m talking about harmony. I’m talking about a tranquil state of heart and mind—the absence of hostility, the quieting of anxiety. In Hebrew, the word is shalom—a beautiful word meaning wholeness, completeness, well-being. In Greek, it’s often used to describe the inner calm that belongs to those who trust Jesus. And I believe, with all my heart, that peace is what’s missing—not just in the world, but in many lives today. Maybe even in yours.

There Is No Peace for the Wicked

I want to begin by being honest. Isaiah 48:22 says, “There is no peace for the wicked.” That’s not just poetry. That’s God’s truth.

In Isaiah 59:2, we’re told that sin separates us from God. And Paul lays it out clearly in Galatians 5:19–21 when he lists the works of the flesh—everything from hatred to jealousy to immorality. These things don’t just keep you out of heaven; they destroy your peace right now. They rip apart families. They end friendships. They choke out any possibility of harmony in your life. Sin separates you from God—and when you’re separated from God, peace cannot exist.

So I want you to ask yourself—what have you allowed into your life that’s stealing your peace?

True Peace Comes Only Through God

Now listen to me carefully here—because this is the most important thing I can tell you today: you cannot find peace without God.

Romans 15:33 calls Him the God of peace. Isaiah 26:3 says He will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him. But Isaiah also warns in chapter 59—your sin makes peace with God impossible. Sin creates separation, and separation leads to judgment.

When you’re apart from God, your soul is like a stormy sea—Isaiah 57:20 says the wicked are like the troubled sea that cannot rest. I’ve felt that in my life, and maybe you have too. I’ve been out on those stormy waters where it feels like peace is impossible.

But I have good news for you. Through Jesus Christ, God offers peace to the sinner.

Romans 5:1–2 says that we are justified by faith and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 8 declares that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Through His blood, we are reconciled to God. But let me be clear—that reconciliation comes through obedience to the gospel.

You Can Have Peace with Yourself

You don’t just need peace with God. You also need peace with yourself.

Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you—not as the world gives.” You see, this world offers temporary relief, but not lasting peace. Only Jesus can calm the storm inside you.

John 16:33 reminds us that in this world you will have trouble—but take heart, I have overcome the world. Jesus overcame, and He wants you to overcome too.

So how do you walk in that peace? It starts with faith—“Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” (John 14:1). Then simplify your life. Don’t let the cares of the world choke out what matters most. And most of all—pray. 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… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Do You Have That Kind of Peace?

So now I ask you personally, do you have that kind of peace?

If you’ve allowed sin in your life, or if your priorities are out of order, or if the chaos of the world has robbed you of your calm, then you need to come back to the source of peace—Jesus Christ.

You can find peace. But it begins with the gospel.

You must hear the Word.
You must believe it.
You must repent—change your heart, your mind, your direction.
You must confess that Jesus is the Son of God.
And you must be baptized for the remission of your sins. That’s where you come into contact with the blood of Christ. That’s where peace begins.

And when you rise from that water, your sins are gone—forgotten by God. And the peace that surpasses understanding? That’s yours.

So I leave you with this question: Do you have the peace that God is offering you right now?

Because you can. Today. But the decision is yours.