There are times in our lives when our world gets rocked and we’re knocked down by a situation, a diagnosis, a crisis that attacks our peace and threatens our tenuous emotions. I’ve had three such moments in the past five years that I remember vividly: My dad’s COVID diagnosis, hospitalization, and death, my two-week bout of insomnia where I felt I would lose my mind from sleep deprivation, and, most recently, my mom’s coronary heart disease diagnosis and need for a triple bypass procedure.
Each of these health crises left an indelible impression on me and presented me daily, hourly, even, with a choice: Would I give in to my fear and worries, letting them drive me, or would I tap into the peace that Jesus promised would be there—whether in the pit or the valley?
We all face moments like these. Every day, something threatens to steal our peace. So how do we defend it? And more importantly, how do we cultivate the kind of peace that remains unshaken in the storms of life?
The first step is understanding what biblical peace really is. This peace isn’t just the absence of conflict or a fleeting sense of calm—it’s something far richer, deeper, and enduring. Let’s explore what Scripture reveals about peace and why it matters for our lives today.
In our world, peace is often understood as avoiding conflict at any cost—a concept summed up in the phrase “peace at any price.” While the desire for peace is noble, this mindset can lead us to compromise truth or righteousness for the sake of keeping the peace. True peace isn’t about sweeping problems under the rug or ignoring injustice; it’s about bringing order, harmony, and wholeness under God’s authority.
The Bible gives us two rich words that unlock the depth of true peace: Shalom in the Old Testament and Eirene in the New Testament.
In Hebrew, shalom goes far beyond the idea of “no conflict.” It means completeness, soundness, and harmony—being whole in every part of life: spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical. When God promised Abraham, “You shall go to your fathers in peace” (Genesis 15:15), He was promising a life marked by fullness and blessing, not just a lack of turmoil. Shalom implies a life aligned with God’s will, where nothing is lacking and each day is lived with purpose and intention.
In the New Testament, eirene carries the same sense of wholeness, but it is rooted in reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Paul writes in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV). This peace is not circumstantial—it flows from a restored relationship. Jesus himself said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27 ESV).
This means biblical peace isn’t just about feeling calm—it’s about being anchored in God’s presence, secure in his promises, and confident in his control, even when everything around us shakes.
The Old Testament peace offering illustrates this beautifully. Unlike other sacrifices, the peace offering was shared among God, the priest, and the worshiper in a celebratory meal (Leviticus 7). It symbolized restored fellowship and gratitude, not fear or appeasement. It was a celebration of existing peace—not an attempt to earn it.
This offering foreshadowed Christ, our ultimate peace offering. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus reconciled us to God (Ephesians 2:13-18). He is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), making a way for us to live in harmony with God and others.
Godly peace differs radically from the world’s version:
| Worldly Peace | Godly Peace |
| Based on control | Based on trust in God |
| Dependent on circumstances | Independent of circumstances |
| Fleeting | Eternal |
| External calm | Internal, Spirit-given assurance |
As citizens of God’s kingdom, we enjoy peace that is internal, eternal, and powerful—peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). It is this peace that equips us to stand firm in spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:15).
Because the storms will come. Health crises, financial struggles, broken relationships—they will shake us. But if we understand and cultivate biblical peace, we can walk through valleys without fear, rooted in the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). For, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 ESV).
Biblical peace is not passive—it’s active trust. It’s about choosing to align your heart with God’s promises, even when your feelings scream otherwise.
✒️Reflect and Write
This week, meditate on John 14:27 and Philippians 4:6-7. Let the Holy Spirit anchor your soul in the peace that surpasses understanding.
Coming Up: Next week, we’ll dive into seven powerful promises of peace. Stay tuned!
Do you want to learn how to walk in freedom with Christ and cultivate this kind of peace?
Explore other thought-provoking posts on our Fruits of Faith Blog and look for Gerald’s book, Perfect Peace, which is coming soon to Amazon. We’d love to walk with you on this journey of grace-filled living.
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