Missing Peace Can Be Puzzling Indeed

We can try to muster it up or manufacture it, but peace can’t be produced by physical means.

Peace is a person we pursue, not a posture we assume.

Peace is found in presence of God, not in the absence of trouble. (John 16:33)

Peace is made perfect in the person of Christ, and apart from Him, true peace will always be the missing piece.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬, NIV)

“For He Himself is our peace,” (Ephesians 2:14a)

“Oh, what peace we often forfeit” is a line from an old hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus” — a line that is far more than a song lyric, it’s a lifeline that literally has the power to lift our spirit.

We forfeit peace when we forget the source of peace. Peace cannot be found where human efforts abound. Jesus is the true source of peace, and the peace He gives is perfect and complete.

We live in a puzzling world, constantly searching for that missing “peace.”

But just like that missing piece makes a puzzle complete, God’s perfect peace makes us complete.

I have been praying for mental clarity and emotional stability quite a bit lately. My mind and heart have been all over the place, just trying to keep the pace in this daily rat race, and it can be exhausting!

But what I’m finding in my search for peace is this:

Peace is not found in a completed to do list, an aesthetically pleasing home, or a picture perfect day.

Three translations of this one verse reminded me that peace is possible when I pursue the source of peace.

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Psalm‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬, ‭ESV‬‬)

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬, ‭NLT‬‬)

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬, ‭NIV‬‬)

Cares, doubts, and anxiety will forever plague me this side of Eternity. They are “great within me” and they are “many,” and they will continually rob me of joy and hope if I allow them to dictate my disposition instead of standing firm in my position (in Christ).

He is the missing peace.

In Him our peace is indeed complete.