Is It Possible to Find Real Peace?

Promises of peace are found everywhere - and many people look in unusual places to find it - everything from yoga, divorce, crystals, substance abuse, and endless therapy. And there’s big money in it. After all, people would pay a high price for peace. And some of these things actually seem to work - kind of. We'll talk more about that in a bit.

From a Christian stand point, we know that Jesus is the only one who is able to give peace - and there’s no cost.

Peace is a “fruit of the Spirit” along with many other virtues that should be a part of our lives as Christians because God puts them in our lives. The fruit that we should have is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Those things can only come from God, and we can’t find them anywhere else. If we think we can, it is most certainly a counterfeit, and motivated by something else. The reason for this is because God is light, and everything comes from Him. If we are searching for his attributes in another place, we can be sure it is not the real deal. (See 2 Corinthians 11:14)

It is true that we can find a sense of peace from all of the things that this world offers. That's why there is no end to the services and therapies that claim to give peace. However, this peace is not the same as true and lasting peace that Jesus offers. As Jesus said,

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. John 14:27

But even some believers in Christ struggle to find peace in their hearts. And I am one of those people.

I always thought of peace as rather elusive. It seemed to come and go, and I figured God would grant it during a time of need. But I truly have had a hard time having lasting peace.

As I was reading in Colossians, my perspective of peace completely changed. Check out Colossians 3:15:

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.

This is the first time that it ever hit me that it is part of my responsibility to allow peace into my heart. Not only for it to be allowed to be there - but to reign supreme.

Because our God is the God of peace, His Spirit in us gives us the ability to have true and lasting peace ruling, or calling the shots, so to say, in our hearts. This should be normal, every day life.

I love this verse, 2 Thessalonians 3:16:

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.

I’m just going to admit that I know we are SUPPOSED to have peace. And yet I have my excuses. I’m a “natural worrier.” I’m prone to it, and it’s just a part of my life. Or that’s the lie I’ve fed to myself over the years.

The lie that has been ruling my life is now out in the open. Why is it a lie? Because I realized that Colossians 3:15 is a command. Peace isn’t something that evades my mind. It is something that I can allow to rule in my heart, or I can choose to replace it with something else.

Why am I willing to let anxiety, or anything else replace this peace that the God of peace Himself is offering to freely give?

I do want to clarify that peace is not just a lack of problems. Life is full of heartache, betrayal, and evil. Jesus talked about this in John 16:33.

I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.

Hope is not found in our circumstances. Life is tainted with disappointments, hurt, and sometimes trauma. Our God has overcome this. He is offering life and peace.

So how do we let peace rule in our hearts? That is something I would encourage you to pray about. This might look different for each Christian. And I think the end of Colossians 3:15 might hold the key.

Be thankful. Notice the end of Colossians 3:15.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.

When I don’t have peace, I am focusing on all of the problems. Everything I don’t have. The things that were unfairly taken from me. How my plans didn’t go the way I wanted. How I was hurt. And how the future is uncertain, and I am not in control.

But peace rests in God. He is faithful. He is good, and everything He works everything in our lives for good.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

If you really want some extra encouragement, read the rest of the chapter. It assures us that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love.

Here are some more verses about peace to encourage you:

Psalm 119:165

Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.

Romans 5:1

Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

Romans 8:6

For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

We may have tears, grief, troubles, and questions that go unanswered. But our God, the God who gave His life for us, is the One in control of our lives. Our hope is in Him. This life is short - and our true home is with Jesus, not on this earth.