How can I find peace?

Sometimes it seems as if everything in life is conspiring against our having peace. The dog is barking, the kids are fighting, you're stuck in traffic and you just had an argument with your spouse. In the midst of all of this unrest, how is peace possible?

The answer to this question depends in part on how you define peace. One way to define peace is simply the absence of conflict. If you can resolve whatever conflict you are facing, then you can have peace. But when conflict rears its head, peace runs out the door, and it won't return until the conflict is settled. This notion of peace is a good start, but it is also fragile, because it is totally dependent on your circumstances.

A stronger definition of peace is one that allows you to rise above your circumstances and remain calm despite the storm raging around you. It is a sense of assurance that no matter what happens, things will eventually get better, and that somewhere, someone trustworthy is in control. This sort of peace is not dependent on circumstances. Rather, it allows you to see beyond your surroundings and fix your eyes on a point in the distance that allows you to hold steady on your course and ride out the storm.

How can you find this sort of peace? By putting your trust in the one person who transcends all of our trials and struggles: Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Jesus offers to give us peace if we follow Him. "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). As God, Jesus is the only one who can truly offer us this gift. If we put our trust in Him, He will give us the strength and the endurance we need to weather any situation.

Jesus doesn't promise that life will be easy. In fact, if we truly follow Him, He says we will experience trials of many kinds. But rather than let these problems lead us to despair, we can be assured that we are not alone, and that we are not struggling in vain. As the writer of the book of James in the Bible says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3).

You can place your trust in Jesus by asking Him to help you deal with your circumstances. Are you struggling with something right now? Take a moment and tell Jesus about it. Tell Him you trust in His ability to help you deal with the situation, and ask Him for the strength and wisdom you need to get through it. Then wait expectantly to see what God will do. Your circumstances may not change, but your level of peace and contentment will.

Read more questions and answers >