Have you ever lived a life and told yourself that it wasn’t serious? Let’s go with the flow, it’s all right, everything will be okay. It’s what they did in Ancient Jerusalem, a city on the brink. Prophets and leaders were proclaiming “Peace, peace!” It’s like a slogan on a bumper sticker. But as Jeremiah 6:14 (NIV) warns, “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” Does that sound familiar? We do it today, thinking that everything is all right.
In our modern world, we often chase quick fixes and superficial solutions, scrolling through social media for feel-good quotes, binge-watch shows to escape reality, or rely on pills, quick therapies to numb the pain, you name it, they’re hundreds out there. I know I have done my share. But often these are man-made band-aids that can’t heal a broken bone of the “deeper issues”.
There is, however, a path to genuine peace that doesn’t rely on fleeting fixes, like positive affirmations or quick distractions.
True peace isn’t found in denying problems or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it’s about confronting the root cause: our separation from God due to sin. As the fallen declare they’ll be brought down when punished, we see that ignoring sin leads to unrest. But here’s the good news, God doesn’t leave us there.
As it says in Romans 3:23-24 (NIV): “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Because sin creates a barrier, but God’s grace bridges it, offering real reconciliation.
In the Old Testament, this is where God’s grace kicks in. We find a beautiful assurance in Isaiah 57:18-21 (NLT): “I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far,’ says the Lord, who heals them. ‘But those who still reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt. There is no peace for the wicked,’ says my God.”
God sees it all: All our messes we put ourselves into, our anxieties, our wounds that run deep, our failures, and He lovingly steps in with healing. That is not a hollow solution, but a very profound one. It’s God’s Forgiveness that heals a broken and contrite heart. He helps our wounded spirit to be restored with genuine peace. And it’s not about earning it, it’s about receiving it through his grace and mercy. This echoes Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), a verse that’s been a lifeline for many: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It is just like Peter when he tries to walk to Jesus. When the Storms of life crash within us, which they often do. He is there if we have FAITH in His Healing for us, in His Dreams for us, in His Kingdom He wants to impart In us. He is Emmanuel “God with Us”
Fast-forward to the New Testament, where Jesus Himself addresses our troubled hearts. In John 14:27 (NLT), He says, “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.” Worry and fear are from a troubled heart. Jesus isn’t offering temporary relief with quick Band-Aid Fixes, He gives something more eternal that the world can’t replicate.
Think about Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV), where Jesus teaches, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear, Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” It’s a call to reprioritize our lives and put God First, and watch our fear and worry fade.
In essence, sin must be dealt with through God’s forgiveness. It is not to be entertained or taken lightly. God’s mercy can bring that authentic peace the world can’t give us. It’s like cleaning out the mud in our lives with the churning sea.
So what can we learn from Jesus and his very words? Don’t settle for fake peace that crumbles under pressure. Turn to the One who heals, forgives, and restores. Whether you’re facing a personal crisis or just the daily grind, remember: God’s peace is available, abundant, and transformative.
If you’re feeling that inner turmoil today, start with a simple prayer. Confess, receive forgiveness, and let His peace flood in. As Psalm 29:11 (NIV) affirms, “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
Matthew 11:30 (ESV) “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Thanks for reading!
RL
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