Finding Peace in a Broken World 

by Colonel Ivan K. Rock 

As we enter the holiday season, a time of “peace on Earth,” why is it that peace is so hard to find? Too often it feels as if the world is filled with conflict, our country plagued with division, and our personal lives overwhelmed with anxiety.  

This can’t be what God intends for us. In fact, it’s not. God created a world of shalom, a world of wholeness, of universal flourishing. God provided for us a world of peace. But something has interrupted God’s intention. Something has disrupted this peace.  

But there is good news. In fact, if you are looking for something to be thankful for this holiday season, here it is: Peace is possible.  

Paul the apostle, in a letter to fellow believers, said, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Jesus is the Lord of peace. Why is Jesus the Lord of peace?  

He is the Lord of peace because He can bring “peace with God.” Selfishness has damaged our relationship with God and with each other. And because of that, peace, real peace, can be difficult to find. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:13–14a). In other words, peace—shalom peace in all its completeness—is possible.  

Not only can Jesus bring peace with God, but He can also bring the peace of God. If we pray, if we offer thanksgiving to the Lord, we are told that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). In other words, the peace of God will fortify our hearts, strengthen our minds, and bolster our physical well-being, even in the most difficult of circumstances.  

Even though the world is filled with conflict, our country is plagued with division, and we are surrounded by anxiety, we can know peace.  

From the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio G. Spafford: 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

This holiday season, may you experience peace with God and the peace of God.  

Shalom.