While there is a fundamental reason why knowing God brings
peace, it is also true that Jesus showed peace by example. Probably the most poignant
illustration comes from the story of the mighty storm the disciples faced at
sea. Several disciples were men of the sea, accustomed to facing its dangers.
In this instance the men were terrified by the intensity of the storm. They
thought they were in imminent danger of death. Meanwhile . . . "And behold, there arose a great storm
on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus
Himself was asleep" (Matthew 8:24).
This was not the only intense situation during which Jesus
was at peace. During a later storm, He displayed similar character. This storm
was not quite as fierce; still, the disciples had a difficult time making any
progress as they battled the strong winds. Jesus came to help them. Unlike the
disciples, Jesus was completely calm and in control. "When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were
terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out in fear. But
immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be
afraid" (Matthew 14:26).
It is not difficult to be at peace when the waters are
tranquil, the winds are calm, and life is smooth. Practically speaking, peace
is revealed only in times of trouble and in seasons when conflicts or dangers
threaten. The world is plagued by such troubles, but even in that context Jesus
can give peace. "These things I have
spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have
tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John
16:33). The source of peace is found in Jesus.
As the source, Jesus is open and ready to freely impart
peace to His followers. "Peace I
leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to
you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27).
The wonderful thing is that Jesus' peace is not like any other peace. Man might
seek peace through a savings account, a retirement fund, a security system, or
some other protection. Those measures provide limited peace that is not
guaranteed. Man seeks peace by avoiding conflict; Jesus gives peace that
overcomes conflict.
In fact, giving peace to mankind was one of Jesus' purposes
in coming to earth. As Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, contemplated
the coming of the Messiah, he stated, "The
Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and
the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke
1:78-79). Jesus came to direct men into the way of peace.
In the verses above, peace is revealed as the antidote or
the opposite to two things: fear and anxiety. In the midst of the storms, the
disciples were fearful and anxious about their fate. In John 16:33, Jesus
associated peace with taking courage. In John 14:27, He spoke of the disciples
being troubled and fearful. Even Zacharias mentioned the most fearful threat
known to man: death. Jesus came to replace fear and anxiety with peace.
The deepest level of fear is associated with death,
especially as it relates to facing God. Jesus quells that fear by creating a
permanent foundation of peace. "Therefore,
having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ" (Romans 5:1). He came to "free
those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives"
(Hebrews 2:15).
God also protects from lesser and more temporal fears.
Nothing is too dangerous or threatening for Him. This is why knowing God is so
crucial for having peace. When a believer knows who God is and how powerful He
is, and when the believer is assured that God is on his side, fears slip away. "So that we may confidently say, 'The
Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?'"
(Hebrews 13:6). The believer can trust God and have peace to the same extent
that Jesus did in the storm. "In
peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell
in safety" (Psalm 4:8).
Peace also combats anxiety. Again, the key is found in
knowing God. When someone knows God well, he is confident in His character and
in His care. Instead of being anxious, the believer takes his concerns to the God
he knows and trusts, with this result: "And
the peace of God, who surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). In addition to praying,
the believer thinks about God, fixing his mind on Him. This deliberate focus of
the thoughts leads to peace, as the Christian trusts in the amazing God whom he
is pondering. "The steadfast of mind
You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah
26:3).
Through Jesus and His peace, fears can be conquered and
anxiety can dissipate. Peace reigns when Christians remember and focus upon the
God to whom no challenge is too great and no danger too threatening. Knowing
Him well makes all the difference in the circumstances, challenges, and
relationships of life. Anxiety and fear yield to the believer's confidence in a
loving and capable God.
"Come to me, all
who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. You shall find peace
for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
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