Peace in the Chaos
6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
You cannot turn on any news program these days without being immediately pulled into reports of escalating tensions around the world - in Iran, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the deep, complex conflict between Israel and Palestine. And those are just the headlines—beyond them are countless civil wars, regional disputes, and quiet wars that rarely make front-page coverage.
Conflict has a way of working its way into our everyday lives, too, in our relationships, our families, our workplaces, and even within ourselves. Misunderstandings, disagreements, and tension can feel almost unavoidable. And beyond those conflicts, the weight of worry, fear, anxiety, negativity, and uncertainty can settle in, quietly draining us and robbing us of any real sense of peace.
When we step back and take it all in, it’s easy to feel like peace is more of an idea than a reality, just something we talk about, hope for, maybe even pray for, but rarely expect to fully experience. In a world that seems to run on friction and division, peace can start to feel distant and, at times, even impossible.
We have many ways that we can seek and find physical peace, such as calling a friend, listening to music, moving to a quiet space, to name a few, but none of these help us experience true peace; a lasting, inner state, regardless of life’s challenges. That comes from Jehovah Shalom.
In Judges 6, we read about how the Israelites did evil in the sight of God, and the Midianites oppressed them for seven years. Finally, they turned back to God, and He sent Gideon to them to fight the Midianites. After Gideon doubted his qualifications and ability and asked God for a sign, which God gave him, Gideon built an altar to the Lord, and in verse 6, he called it "The Lord Is Peace."
Declaring God as Jehovah Shalom in the middle of fear, uncertainty, oppression, and a lack of peace was an extraordinary statement on the part of Gideon. Yet right there, in the tension and anxiety, God revealed Himself not just as a giver of peace, but as peace itself. Ultimately, God brought victory to the Israelites through Gideon and only three hundred troops.
God doesn’t wait for our circumstances to calm down before offering peace, as we see in Judges 6. He steps into the chaos and becomes our peace within it. His peace is not temporary or fragile. It’s rooted in His unchanging character.
And Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. He echoes this truth in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” His divine peace offers a calm that transcends earthly circumstances.
How can we experience Jehovah Shalom and the peace that Christ provides? This true peace is found in relationship with God through Christ. We often chase peace by trying to control outcomes, fixing things ourselves, or numbing the stress. We must let go of all of these attempts and turn to the God of peace. Surrender to Him. Seek Him. Trust Him. Follow His lead.
So whatever chaos we are facing today, we must remember this: Jehovah Shalom is with us. Biblical peace isn’t the absence of trouble; it’s the presence of God. He is steady even when life is not. His peace isn’t something we have to earn or manufacture either. It’s something we receive as we draw near to Him. And, we can make a difference where we are as ambassadors for peace through Him in what appears to be a dark, crazy, out-of-control world!
Call to Action
Where in your life do you feel the most unrest right now? What would it look like to invite Jehovah Shalom into that situation today?
Are you trying to create peace on your own, or are you trusting God to be your peace?
What steps do you need to take to draw near to Jehovah Shalom today?
To help you find physical peace, try the Square Breathing Technique:
Use your finger to draw a square on your leg while doing this breathing technique.
As you draw one side, breathe in for 4 seconds, then draw the next side and breathe out for four seconds.
Repeat until you have drawn the whole square or until you feel more relaxed. Repeat as many times as needed.
Digging Deeper
Read these additional verses on the true peace of God: Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 54:10, Psalm 29:11, John 16:33, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 3:15.
Prayer
God, thank you for being my peace in the middle of everything that feels uncertain. Help me to surrender to You, trust You, and find rest in who You are. Quiet my anxious thoughts and remind me that You are in control. Teach me to walk in Your peace today.
Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens