The church is not meant to, in times of crisis, shrink back in fear. Fear is not our motivator - peace is our motivator. Peace is the thing that binds us together in unity. We were called to not only experience peace for ourselves but to be the peacemakers in a world overcome with anxiety and fear. Today, take a moment to spread peace to someone who is experiencing anxiety or fear. Maybe it’s your neighbor, your family, or even someone in your church. Encourage them in the peace of God and pray that this peace can rule in their heart
Contrary to popular belief, Jesus didn’t come to leave us with fear. He didn’t leave us with condemnation or retribution. Jesus left us with peace. But He didn’t just leave us with any peace, He left us with HIS peace. Eternal peace. Heavenly peace. This peace is nothing like the “peace” the world gives, which is really just peace with a false promise. Not only did Jesus give us peace, but He also instructed us to not let our hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
How? How do we, in the overwhelming fear, possibly experience peace and not be afraid? We experience peace through following the Prince of Peace. The One who gives us peace freely, and not the peace that the world promises, but peace rooted in who Jesus is.
J. I. Packer once said, “The peace of God is first and foremost peace with God.” When we fully understand that we have right-standing with God - that there is no longer enmity between us, but pure peace - we can finally experience the peace OF God. What is God’s peace? It is the peace that surpasses understanding. It is the peace that withstands the storm. God’s peace is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise fear-polluted world. This peace is available to you now and every day. No matter what you are going through, the peace of God is there for you.
