I remember driving home from a particularly tense ministry situation one day. My mind was heavy, my feelings unsettled. In that restless headspace, as I got into the car, I tuned into to an audiobook at random. Within moments of listening, I felt peace and strength washing over me. Interestingly, the audiobook was not about church leadership, or even how to handle pressure. It was about God’s character: His greatness, holiness, and power.

Paul writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is … peace” (Gal 5:22). This is not merely the absence of conflict. The biblical concept of peace speaks of the wholeness that God brought about by reconciling us to Himself through His Son, Jesus. It’s no wonder that Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), because our peace comes through His death and resurrection.

While the world offers peace when conditions work together in our favour, Jesus gives peace in our hearts even when storms rage. He gives us His own peace, which is a gift that “the world cannot give” (John 14:27). It’s the kind of peace accessible to those who put their trust in Him.

Jesus never promised an easy life, but a life filled with His presence and peace. We may face days, even seasons, of unrest. Yet underneath it we can be sure that God knows us, is at peace with us, and is holding us up.

And from that peace, we become a presence of peace for others.

Reflection:

• How might I become a non-anxious presence in a tense moment this week?
• What anxieties do I need to entrust to Christ today?

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.