The world is in chaos. Our lives are often in chaos. How do some people look like their trials and troubles don’t phase them? How is it that some people, in the middle of struggles, appear steady, unrattled, and unshaken by it all?

The Bible tells us that God promises to provide His peace, even when experiencing hardships or life-altering disruptions. Jesus said, “My peace I give to you” so there is no reason to be afraid (John 14:7). Yet, many think it is not possible, or that it is not true, because they have never experienced anything like what God said He would do. Why is that?

There are two types of peace offered by God that the Bible talks about: the peace with God and the peace of God.

Peace With God

Peace with God happens when someone places his or her trust in Jesus. The Bible calls that being reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18). Some refer to this encounter as being “born again” (John 3:3, 7). God has provided a path for His creation of man to be restored (reconciled) back to a relationship with Him. The Apostle John writes, “to those who receive Him, who believe in His name, He gave the right (the authority) to become children of God”, being born (again) of God (John 1:12–13).

God’s promise in offering peace that the world cannot give, that passes all understanding, is given under one condition: peace with God is for those who trust in Him to save them from sin, the guilt of sin, and from God’s judgment of punishment and wrath (Romans 8:1). The Bible describes that as being set free, no longer in bondage to our sin that keeps us separated from God, but now free in God’s truth and adopted into God’s family as His children (John 1:12; Galatians 4:5–6).

It is through being born again that we can experience peace with God — no longer enemies (Romans 5:10). If you are not experiencing God’s peace, you may need to consider coming to God, trusting in Jesus, and being born again!

Peace of God

When the Apostle John records Jesus saying, “My peace I give to you” it is in the context of Jesus speaking with His disciples — those who followed (and follow) Him. He tells them to expect struggles and hardships, the same as every other person in this world, but that they (His followers) do not need to fear or fret about their circumstances (Philippians 4:6–7) because Jesus will not leave them alone or leave them stranded to fend for themselves (Deuteronomy 31:6–8; Matthew 28:20).

Another important truth is that God tells His children to, “cast (throw, completely release) all your anxieties, fears, worries” on Him because He cares (loves) about them (1 Peter 5:6–7). He wants to take our anxiety and fear from us, but we have to give them over to Him. When we do, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28–29).

God promises His children that we have nothing to fear when we have Him (Hebrews 13:6; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 56:3–4; 1 Peter 3:14). He also tells us how we can experience such peace. When believers keep the focus on God rather than on the upsetting circumstances around them, God is able to intervene in those circumstances and give His peace (Psalm 94:19; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:5). The Apostle Paul tells believers to stay focused on the good things God does for us rather than on our temporary afflictions (Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 4:17), which allows us to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16), to be in a spirit of thanksgiving (thankfulness) to God (1 Thessalonians 5:14; Psalm 107:1; Colossians 3:17) and to encourage each other when trials come along (Ephesians 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11; Hebrews 3:13).

Final thought

“Finally, brethren, rejoice and be made complete (whole), be comforted, like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).

Experiencing peace with God brings the person into a personal relationship with God. It is then that, throughout all of life on earth, a person is “gifted” with experiencing the peace of God in every circumstance. God is faithful and fulfills His promise to always be with us and to give us peace.

That peace gives us rest, refreshment, comfort, confidence, and encouragement from a God who loves us, cares for us, protects us, and leads us to calm, green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23:2).

Do you want peace, a calming spirit, a life that no longer is afraid in your circumstances? Just come to God and experience His peace!