Recipe for Peace

The Chaos That Surrounds

The world is in chaos, our country is in turmoil. There is division over politics, social justice, vaccines, masks. Neighbor is against neighbor, family member against family member. Isolation, fear, anger, and frustration are the prevailing emotions. This is the unfortunate state of humanity at this moment in time.

I certainly pray for peace in this world and an end to human suffering. I pray for healing and restoration of relationships in families, communities, countries, governments. These events and issues grieve my heart deeply. But one thing I will not allow is for the hope, security, joy, and peace I have in Jesus to be stolen from me by the things that are happening around me.

There is no way we can avoid the troubles in the world around us. Some circumstances are out of our control, some are self-inflicted. But no matter what turmoil surrounds us, when we fix our thoughts on God, we can know perfect peace. He has promised us this!

God’s Promise

Matthew 14 tells the story of Jesus walking on water. The disciples were in a boat, fighting the wind and waves. Jesus began walking toward them on top of the water. The disciples thought he was a ghost until Jesus spoke, telling them to not be afraid. I guess Peter needed more proof that it was Jesus, or he just thought it would be cool to walk on water, so he said, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)

Don’t miss this, friends. When Peter was focused on Jesus, he was doing it; he was walking on water! But notice that when he shifted his gaze to the wind and waves all around him and took his focus off of Jesus, he began to sink. Let me shout it from the rooftops! This is us! God never promised there wouldn’t be storms, in fact he tells us there will be storms. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

The battle has already been won. That is good news! We know the ending – we stand victorious in eternity with Jesus. We won’t make it out of this life without wounds and scars, but we will be victorious. Those who have accepted the gift of salvation by Jesus’ death on the cross have this assurance.

Claiming the Peace of Christ

As we saw with Peter, focusing on Jesus is how we hold on to peace and security as the storm rages all around. I know very well how hard this is. I’m going to be vulnerable here and share some of my journal entry I wrote last year as I was struggling to find peace in my soul.

"I've been struggling to find peace for my soul. My emotions are all over the place. I am trying to fix my eyes on God and trust him, but I'm up and down, hot and cold. One minute I feel encouraged and ready to take on the challenges, the next I'm paralyzed with fear and pain and want to curl up in a ball. I feel like I am failing because of this. Why can't I just be steadfast and secure in the Lord?"

I’m not sure how I landed on these verses in Isaiah, actually yes, I do. God led me to this passage because it was exactly what I needed.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:3-4

I also love the passage in Philippians 4 that talks about the peace of God. It’s a longer one, but so good.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise…then the peace of God will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9

When we do these things, the peace that seems so elusive and hard to find in this world will be ours. I encourage you today to meditate on these scriptures, follow these four steps and feel the overwhelming peace that floods your soul.

I love graphics, so I created a “recipe for peace” card that gives a visual reminder of the ingredients for peace.

Please share with others that you know need the peace of God in their lives. If there is anyone reading that needs prayer, please reach out to us on our contact page. I’m praying for you, God bless.