Advent Devotional: Intro to Peace

How do you define Peace?  Void of conflict?  It is more than that. I find it is a calmness in the face of conflict with a big dose of confidence in God’s ability to handle this (whatever “this” is).  Outward conflict is easy to identify because of the noise it creates. It also creates hate and division, which is very present in our world today. The news feeds the fear in us.

Shalom is more than just the absence of conflict; it’s a positive state of wholeness, completeness, and well-being that includes harmony with God, others and creation. This is a supernatural peace, brought about by the Holy Spirit and the work of Jesus, and is characterized by inner tranquility and rest, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.  (Google AI definition)

When my mother’s cancer returned and she shared what her doctor wanted to do, I sat stunned and very unsettled. I had been driving home when she told me, and I sat in my driveway processing the whole conversation.  I lamented to God.  In that moment He told me she would not survive.  I repeated that out loud to Him, and immediately was filled with the most incredible peace I have ever known.  I knew God’s plan was to take her and make her whole in heaven. The strength that peace gave me allowed me to support my parents as they walked through the next year.

How I define peace is wrapped up in the strength of that journey. I knew she would be made whole and I would see her again.  The lack of conflict in the journey allowed me to point both my parents to God whenever I could. When we are facing an unsettling season, we need someone to say, “God is with us in this moment and nothing can change that.”  This is where Hope meets Peace and gives us strength.