My Peace I Give You: How Do We Walk in the Peace of Jesus Christ?

The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). We see the evidence of this every day as new challenges arise beyond our control. COVID-19 is spreading at an exponential rate. Fears of death, economic upheaval, and debilitating disease threaten our very humanity. Amid the turmoil, we can either be swept away in brutal hurricanes of anxiety and dread, or we can choose to abide by the words of Jesus who promised us a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Whose Peace Do You Lean On?

As the Body of Christ, we have a mandate to fulfill. We have a hope that the world does not know. We are not governed by the principalities that sow darkness over the earth. Instead, Christ Himself left us with a secret weapon to not only face the onslaught of the world but to overcome it. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, (John 14:27).

I believe that this spoken word resonates in and through us today. It is a constant proclamation of Christ’s promise to us and a bold reminder that we have nothing to fear. We need not be afraid or troubled; we need not be swayed by our circumstances. We need only rest in the Father’s perfect plan – and it is a plan of hope, salvation, and peace in Jesus Christ.

So, what exactly is this promised peace of Jesus, and how do we walk in it?

Here’s the Play Call:

1. Understand peace as a covenant.

The Bible says, “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you,” (Isaiah 54:10).

The Lord’s covenant of peace rests on us today. Though the world around us may falter and fall, we can stand firm in who we are in Christ Jesus, with full confidence in our hearts that He will come through for us. We will not be shaken. This is God’s covenant to those who walk closely with Him. Stay in covenant with Jesus and experience His all-surpassing peace.

2. Peace does not translate into passivity.

In the English language, the word peace often hints at a sense of calm and serenity. The biblical concept of peace is so much more than that. In Hebrew, the word for peace is šālôm or ‘shalom’, which in the Old Testament often referred to God’s heavenly order or peace as a covenant with His people.

This concept of peace does not only relate to an absence of strife or a passive sense of calm. Some biblical scholars believe that this notion of Shalom refers to the realm where chaos is not allowed to enter, – chaos here is understood as sickness, war, social strife, or the violation of the covenant.

This is far from a place of passivity. It is a call to action and faith. It is a call to stand up and state our claim that chaos is not welcome in our homes, in our schools, and in our cities. Declare this peace over yourself today.

3. Pursue the peace of Jesus Christ.

In scripture, Jesus is described as the ‘Prince of Peace’. As such, if we are to pursue peace, we are to pursue the very nature of Christ Himself. Peace is also a pillar in the Kingdom of God. “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 14:17). When we pursue peace, we therefore also pursue the Kingdom.

Though we face challenges of every kind, we can find rest in the ‘eye of the storm’. Amid the chaos and perils of the world, we can center ourselves at the feet of Jesus.

Let us meditate upon Christ, immerse ourselves in His presence and be transformed into His likeness. Only then may we begin to fathom the fullness of this ‘peace’ which He promises to all who believe.