Everyone wants peace — peace in Ukraine, peace in Gaza, peace in Pakistan, peace in India, peace in the world, peace of mind. In his first public address as Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Roman Catholic pontiff emphasized the theme of peace. His opening words were “Peace be with you!”, and he went on to reiterate the need for and the responsibility of believers to effect peace. I strongly suspect that most of his hearers, if they actually thought about it at all, would be thinking of peace in worldly terms.
As is so often the case, Jesus sees and teaches a different concept. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” John 14:27 (NLT). Spoken to His disciples before His crucifixion, He introduces a divine peace distinct from the world’s fleeting version. Biblical peace, or shalom in Hebrew, encompasses wholeness, harmony, and well-being rooted in God’s presence. Let’s explore examples of how this peace manifests across the Bible, contrasting it with the world’s temporary calm and revealing its transformative power in believers’ lives.
The Old Testament frequently illustrates God’s peace sustaining His people amidst trials. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” Psalm 23:4 (NLT). Facing mortal danger—whether from enemies or life’s uncertainties—David finds peace not in the absence of threats but in God’s nearness. This internal assurance, unshaken by external chaos, mirrors the peace Jesus promises in John 14:27. Unlike the world’s peace, which depends on safety or control, David’s peace flows from trust in God’s guidance, offering comfort even in the “darkest valley.”
Another striking example is found in Daniel, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face a fiery furnace for refusing to worship an idol. They boldly declare, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us… But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear… we will never serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17-18, NLT). Their serene confidence reflects a peace that transcends the threat of death. God’s presence, later seen as a fourth figure in the furnace (Daniel 3:25), preserves them, but their peace precedes this miracle, rooted in faith rather than guaranteed outcomes. This divine peace, unlike the world’s reliance on escape or compromise, empowers them to stand firm, aligning with Jesus’ gift that calms troubled hearts.
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself embodies and imparts this peace. In Mark 4:35-41, a fierce storm threatens to sink the disciples’ boat, yet Jesus sleeps peacefully. Awakened by their panic, He commands, “Silence! Be still!” and the storm ceases (Mark 4:39, NLT). He then asks, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40, NLT). Jesus’ calm during the storm reflects His perfect trust in God’s sovereignty, a peace He extends to the disciples by stilling both the waves and their fears. This moment vividly contrasts the world’s peace—dependent on calm seas—with Christ’s peace, which persists in chaos and invites faith over fear, as promised in John 14:27.
Similarly, Paul and Silas demonstrate this peace in Acts 16:22-25. After being beaten and imprisoned, they pray and sing hymns at midnight, despite their pain and uncertain fate (Acts 16:25, NLT). Their worship in chains reveals a peace rooted in Christ, not in physical freedom or comfort. This peace not only sustains them but also impacts the jailer, leading to his conversion (Acts 16:30-34). Unlike the world’s peace, which seeks personal ease, Paul and Silas’ peace radiates outward, fulfilling Jesus’ promise of a gift that overcomes trouble and fear.
These examples highlight the unique nature of biblical peace.
First, its source is divine—God’s presence (Psalm 23), His Spirit (Daniel 3), or Christ Himself (Mark 4). The world, however, seeks peace through human effort—wealth, power, or conflict avoidance—which falters when circumstances shift.
Second, biblical peace is resilient, enduring trials (Paul in prison) and death threats (Shadrach and his companions), while worldly peace collapses under pressure.
Third, it is transformative, enabling bold faith (David), witness (Paul), or obedience (Jesus), unlike the world’s self-focused calm.
Finally, biblical peace counters fear, as Jesus emphasizes in John 14:27, offering assurance where worldly peace offers only temporary relief.
The peace Jesus offers not only remains available to believers today, but is an essential ingredient in their lives. Like David in the valley or Paul in prison, we can experience shalom amidst life’s storms—whether personal loss, uncertainty, or societal unrest. This peace, received through faith and sustained by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to live fearlessly, love boldly, and witness effectively. It stands in stark contrast to the world’s elusive peace, which fades with changing headlines or bank balances.
As Jesus assures us, “Don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NLT), He is inviting us to rest in His unshakable gift.
The peace Jesus gives to his followers, as illustrated in David’s trust, the fiery furnace, Jesus’ calm, and Paul’s worship, is a divine gift far surpassing the world’s fragile calm. It is rooted in God’s presence, resilient in trials, and transformative in its effects. Jesus’ words to His disciples on the eve of the most catastrophic event of their lives (His crucifixion), encapsulates this promise, and offers us believers in a different place and time, a peace that sustains, empowers, and glorifies God, no matter the circumstances.
Shalom!
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study