Peace that Passes All Understanding
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
Recently, Danette and I traveled by air, which meant navigating flights and making a connection in a large, crowded airport, and of course, it all happened during one of the busiest travel seasons. Big airports can feel overwhelmingly chaotic: crowds moving in every direction, constant overlapping announcements, people rushing to catch flights, anxious travelers waiting, and others pushing to board as quickly as possible. Nothing about it felt peaceful. In fact, it was chaotic.
Doesn’t life feel that way, at times? If you watch the news, which I do every evening, you see evidence of a world that needs and longs for peace. Even as I am writing this devotional, there is hope for peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war that has gone on for almost four years. During this Advent season, we focus on peace not because the world feels peaceful, but precisely because it doesn’t.
This chaotic, broken world is the reason Jesus came to earth. Approximately 700 years before His birth, Isaiah prophesied about it in Isaiah 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Then, Luke shared the story of Christ’s birth that Isaiah had foretold in Luke 2:13-14: "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor is pleased!'" The world Jesus entered was filled with political tension, injustice, fear, and uncertainty. Sound familiar? Yet into that world, angels declared: “Peace on earth.”
Advent invites us to stop, breathe, and receive the peace that Christ gives through the Holy Spirit—Shalom, a gift of wholeness that transcends worldly circumstances, allowing believers to have confidence, hope, and a steady assurance from God despite life's difficulties. It is a peace that settles the soul, restores our perspective, and reminds us that God is at work even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Jesus does not promise us a peace that removes all difficulty; He offers a peace that anchors us within it. In today’s key verse above, Jesus commands us not to be troubled or worried because He is present with us and is our Prince of Peace.
How do we find peace in a broken world that will never fully know peace? First and foremost, we must look to Jesus daily and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, providing us with comfort, guidance, support, and His presence. From there, we are to seek and pursue peace (Psalm 34:14), be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and live peacefully with others (Romans 12:18).
So, especially during this Advent season, let’s contemplate and focus on Jesus as Prince of Peace and let go of all the worldly worries and concerns.
Call to Action
Where in your life do you most long for God’s peace right now?
What fears, anxieties, and worries are you placing before Jesus today? Be sure to turn those over to Him once you identify them.
How can you be a bearer of Christ’s peace to someone else this week?
Digging Deeper
Read these passages on peace: Psalm 34:14, Matthew 5:9, John 14:27, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:15, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Prayer
Prince of Peace, calm our anxious hearts. In the noise of the world, help us hear Your still, gentle voice. Where we feel unsettled, bring Your steady presence. Where we feel afraid, bring Your assurance. Fill us with Your peace, and let it overflow into the world around us. Amen.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
