Finding peace in the broken places

As we think of peace during this time in our world, it seems that peace is in short supply.  In fact, our world is in chaos. Businesses have closed. Schools are meeting online for educational purposes.  Unfortunately, during the Covid19 pandemic, many people have lost their jobs. When we experience times of economic uncertainty, it often shatters our peace.

The reason that our peace gets broken is that we have a poor definition of peace.  Merriam-Webster defines peace as …a state of tranquility or quiet …freedom from civil disturbance[i]”.  Is that really peace in the biblical sense?  Jesus was always at peace when there seemed to be chaos and strife all around him.  The peace that Jesus talked about was something far greater than the absence of conflict.  The peace that Jesus offers us is a “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions”[ii]

We often forget that Jesus offered us His peace even as he was heading to the cross: which was anything but a peaceful act.  In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”[iii]  So we see that this is a different kind of peace than what is generally accepted in our world today.

How do we find peace in the broken places of our economy, our politics, or our homes?  We find peace in the person of Jesus.

Dear Lord,  As I consider the state and condition of the world today, we are in desperate need of the peace that you offer us.  Help us to experience your peace, the peace that passes all understanding. Remind us that peace is not a construct of our imagination, but rather a person: the person of Christ.  As we grow in our understanding of Jesus, then our peace should grow as well. Father, may we have a growing sense of his presence in our lives through this time. Help us to see peace in the midst of the brokenness today.  May we be ambassadors of peace by serving others and reaching out to them in hope and help. 

[i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peace

[ii] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peace

[iii] All scripture references come from the New King James Version unless otherwise specified.

Pastor James R. Jenkins

Pastor Jim Jenkins has been serving the Lord as a pastor since 1993.  He has served as a Youth Minister, an Associate Pastor, as well a Pastor in churches in Kentucky as well as Indiana.  He is a 1995 graduate of the Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, KY (BA in Ministry) and has attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.  He and his wife Tricia have been married for 31 years and they have three children. Currently serving at First Baptist Church in Rising Sun, IN. Oh, yes, and he is my pastor!