By Pastor David Santiago
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14 verse 27
Peace is not the absence of trouble. It is the presence of Christ in the middle of it.
We live in an age of constant noise. News cycles spin quickly. Responsibilities pile up. Fear and uncertainty press in. Many who call themselves followers of Jesus still find their hearts restless. The good news is that Scripture points us to a peace that stands apart from circumstances and anchors the soul even when the world sways.
The Bible Names Real Anxiety and Offers Real Peace
Jesus promises a peace that the world cannot replicate. The Psalms speak honestly about fear and unrest and show us how to bring those fears to God. Paul urges believers to replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving. These are not quick fixes. They are spiritual pathways back to a settled heart.
What Gospel Peace Looks Like
- A settled trust in God even when outcomes are uncertain
- A calm center that prayer cultivates and Scripture sustains
- A posture of gratitude that reshapes perspective
- Clear boundaries that protect soul health and relationships
- Compassion for others that grows out of inner stability
Practical Steps to Find Peace Through Faith
- Pray with honesty. Tell God your fears and ask for his help.
- Replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving. Turn worries into specific requests and thank God for what you can see
- Anchor your mind in Scripture. Memorize verses that remind you of God’s presence and promises
- Limit the noise. Reduce media intake and create times of silence to listen for the Spirit
- Keep Sabbath rhythms. Rest is a spiritual practice that restores body and soul
- Build trusted community. Share burdens with people who will pray with you and walk with you faithfully
- Practice gratitude daily. Name three things each day that reflect God’s goodness
- Steward your body. Sleep well, eat well, and move your body so your mind can rest more easily
- Serve others. Helping someone else redirects focus and produces joy that counters anxiety
- Seek professional help when needed. Therapy and medical care are compatible with faith and can be gifts from God
How the Church Can Help People Find Peace
- Teach spiritual practices that are practical and pastoral, not merely theoretical
- Create quiet spaces for prayer and reflection during worship and on campus
- Offer pastoral counseling and referral networks for mental health care
- Model healthy rhythms of rest among leaders and staff
- Provide small groups where honesty about fear and prayer is the norm
A Word to the Anxious
If your heart feels restless, you are not alone and you are not failing. Peace is a gift to be received and a path to be practiced. John 14 verse 27 is an invitation to keep your eyes on Jesus, to bring your worries to him, and to let his peace guard your heart and mind.
A Prayer for Peace
Lord,
You are the Prince of Peace. For every weary heart listening now, draw near. Calm the anxious thoughts that crowd the mind. Replace fear with trust. Teach us to pray with honesty and to rest in your promises. Help your church to be a place of refuge where peace is practiced and modeled. Give wisdom to seek support when needed and courage to name what we feel. Let your peace that passes understanding be our daily companion.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Selah.