Jesus Prince of Peace
It’s not long until Christmas! A time of great celebration and wonder (and turkeys, mince pies and presents!). A time when we remember the birth of our saviour Jesus. A bible quote which we often hear at this time of year is Isaiah 9:6:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
There are so many names of our God in the bible, which describe so many of His wonderful attributes and characteristics. I have been reflecting on the last of those listed in this verse – Jesus: Prince of Peace.
At times our lives can be filled with moments of challenge and uncertainty. From loss to financial struggles, from health crises to relational conflicts, the storms of life can feel overwhelming. In such times, I know I am quick to either look for solutions myself, or to look for peace and comfort in the wrong places. Yet, the peace we often seek from worldly sources—comfort from friends, material solutions, or distractions—tends to be fleeting and insufficient. Thankfully, God promises a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that is not contingent upon our circumstances but rooted in His unchanging presence. In the Gospel of John, Jesus offers His followers a peace that is not like the temporary calm the world offers. In John 14:27 Jesus says this:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
This promise of peace is from Jesus, the Prince of Peace Himself. Unlike the peace the world offers, God’s peace transcends circumstances and brings a deep, inner calm that is not shaken by life's trials. His peace does not rely on the absence of trouble but on the presence of His reassuring love and guidance. His peace allows us to face life’s storms without being consumed by them.
How do we find this peace? Isaiah 26:3 tells us:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
This verse highlights two important elements in receiving God’s peace: steadfastness and trust. To be steadfast means to remain firm and unwavering. When we trust in God and focus our minds on His promises, we position ourselves to experience perfect peace, regardless of our circumstances. The key to this peace is an active, determined focus on God's faithfulness. Trusting in God means that we choose to believe He is in control, even when life seems out of control. When we fix our minds on God’s truth—His goodness, His sovereignty, and His love—we find that peace begins to settle in our hearts. Spend time in His word, remind yourself of the promises of the bible and things that have been spoken over you. Pour out your troubles to Him in prayer and invite Him in.
In Philippians 4:7, the apostle Paul describes this peace as:
“the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.”
This peace isn’t something that we can explain logically or attain through our own efforts. It is a divine gift that comes when we surrender our worries and anxieties to God in prayer and trust Him with our concerns.
In times of trouble, the world may offer distractions, advice, or temporary relief, but the peace that God gives is enduring and unshakable. It doesn’t promise the absence of suffering, but it assures us of God’s presence in the midst of it. His peace guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to navigate life’s difficulties with a sense of calm and hope that only He can provide.
When life becomes overwhelming, we can find peace not in escaping our circumstances but in trusting the One who holds us through them. Jesus promises to give us His peace—an enduring peace that is available to all who trust in Him. By keeping our minds focused on God’s promises and resting in Him, we can experience perfect peace, no matter what life throws our way.