Peace seems impossible these days. We see a world without it on the news every night. Hatred and violence seem to rule in so many places. One conflict settles down and then another flares up overnight. Even in “peaceful” countries, people can feel a lack of it inside themselves.

Yet the New Testament speaks of peace and claims that anyone can have it. This elusive quality is not so elusive after all. Romans 5:1-4 tells us “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” then goes on to talk about experiencing tribulations. This means we can have peace even when we experience troubles. How is this possible? We find the answer in Philippians 4:6-7. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A deep peace can settle over our souls knowing all is right between us and God. He guards our hearts with a peace that is so profound, it cannot adequately be explained. We must provide some things to have such a peace: some time spent in prayer; an attitude of thankfulness; some work to calm our anxieties. We can do our part, and the Lord will certainly do His. We can actually have what many think is impossible. The hymn writer said it well: “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin; the blood of Jesus whispers peace within.”

– Tim Johnson