“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
1 Corinthians 14:33
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:37-39
“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.” “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 14:27; 16:33
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
Jesus taught and the Scriptures emphasize repeatedly that the God of peace sent His Son into the world to bring peace into the chaos and confusion of life by making peace with our souls. What Christ achieved on the cross reconciling ruined sinners to their Holy God has its peace-bringing effect in personal anxieties, relationships, decisions, and cultural tumult. Those at peace with Him are held in peace in the world and its fury. (Job 22:21; Isaiah 9:6; 48:18; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 1:16-20)
Our lives are fraught with many a storm and conundrum. At home and work, in the wrangling of our minds and pick and parlance of interactions, the Lord is present, speaking peace. Christ’s grace penetrates disordered affections and broken relationships, brings solace into storms of grief and hurt and fear. How are these truths meaningful for us?
In what net of confusion are we currently entangled- a big decision, conflicting diagnoses, uncertain career or financial future, rocky communication with a loved one? What are we doing to seek and implement God’s way of peace? How can we better learn and trust His promises? Where can we serve as peacemaker for others? Staying our minds on Jesus ensures other-worldly peace. (Matthew 5:9)
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.” ~Horatio Spafford (1873)
Lord, in life’s chaos and confusion, rule and be exalted as my Prince of Peace.
As the rain and snow 