Finding Christ’s Peace in a Chaotic World

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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Right now as I write this devotional, there are two major ongoing events that threaten the stability of large portions of the world and international relations. And people everywhere are surrounded by utter chaos of one kind or another. But I don’t have to look out there to feel overwhelmed by what’s happening. Almost every day I wake up, I have to calm my chaotic mind. Questions loom large as I try to focus my day on Jesus: What do I need to do today? How is this child doing with that class? Did I remember to reply to that text? I imagine you know this drill too. As you can see, there are many things that can cause us to lack peace even when they aren’t massive tragedies. Even the smaller circumstances we face can disturb our peace.

Do you relate? Sometimes my wonderful husband will speak to me, and I’ll ask him to repeat himself because my thoughts were so loud that they drowned him out. I must train myself to not let concerns preoccupy me. When I think of Jesus, I think of peace. Not only does He bring us peace, which we will see soon—He is peace. He doesn’t get overwhelmed or rattled. He is never anxious. He is peace personified, and He was peace even as He entered the world as a baby.

On the day of Jesus’s birth, the angels proclaimed that our peace had come. The shepherds were out in the fields, and an angel of the Lord came to share the good news of His birth. This angel told them a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And then thousands of angels joined in a heavenly choir and sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). Can you imagine the glorious sound and joy the shepherds must have felt?

So, what kind of peace do we have?

We have peace with God through His Son (Romans 5:1). We can approach God’s throne of grace because of this peace. This peace is achieved through salvation—confessing and believing that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-10). We get to spend eternity with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit because of this peace.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The earth rages and nations roar, but Jesus will return and make all things right. He will reign in peace. We wait and long for that day, but as we wait, we can also have this peace. Jesus is our peace. Because of the Holy Spirit in us, we, too, can experience the kind of peace God gives. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

So is it that simple for us to experience peace? No. We will struggle with anxiety, fear, and other negative emotions that may plague us. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus our Savior, we will have the peace that only He can give. This may mean that we have to give our worries over to Him over and over again. We must remember that “the Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). He is with us and will come again.

Remember the Lord. Cast every burden onto Him. Take all your anxieties to the Lord, and “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Because of Jesus, this Christmas can be marked by peace.

Reflection Questions and Discussion Prompts

Is there anything robbing you of your peace right now? If so, write it down. What are a few practical ways you can surrender these concerns to Jesus?

Why do you think fixing our eyes on Jesus can help us have peace in a chaotic world?

What are some attributes or characteristics about the Lord that help you to maintain peace, especially during the holiday season?