As I was reflecting on Doris Sawyer’s life this weekend preparing for her funeral one word stuck in my heart and mind: peace. She was a woman who died in peace because she died in Christ. But her peace went beyond that – she lived in peace. Now that’s something I really want to know more about because it is something that people battle with day in a day out. I want us to know how to live in peace not just die in peace.

The first step is to accept the peace of God through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our rebellion. He paid for our peace. Paul wrote,

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:13-14a).

Genuine, lasting peace comes only through a righted relationship with our Creator. Believing in Jesus for eternal peace is accepting His terms to bring us to that peace. Peace cannot be had apart from a relationship with Him.

Second, this peace sustains us through everyday turmoil. When things are upside down or life has thrown you a curve ball or you are frustrated with the social-political landscape this peace will get you through. Jesus told His disciples,

“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” (John 14:27).

He said this in the context of the worst news possible – His impending death. Their leader, the one they would follow to the ends of the earth, that person who had been faithful to get them through each day was going to leave them. They felt abandoned and obviously their hearts were troubled (can you say, “Anxiety attack!”). Sound familiar? Yes it does. And when these anxious moments come we need to listen and practice the words of Jesus: trust me, I’ll get you through. Don’t trust in what the world is offering; that is only a temporary fix to the situation. Jesus’ peace offers permanence.

Does this even make sense? Yes it does. I’m not trying to offer some mantra we recite or give you a spiritual wheel to spin. This is not a ritual it is a reality.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)

Trusting in Jesus’ peace is a choice we make. Just read verses 4-6 in Philippians 4 and you’ll get what Paul was trying to get across. And it may be a minute-by-minute reminder as we are going through difficulties. We may have to remind ourselves through sinking our teeth into Scripture and constant prayer that we enjoy His peace and His peace is greater that our turmoil.

Grace & Peace,