Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isn't it fascinating how different people perceive peace in different ways? It makes me think about the story of two painters who were tasked with creating the ultimate image of peace. The prize was $250,000! As you can imagine, both were highly motivated to create the most peaceful scene ever painted.
The first artist began by painting a calm, peaceful landscape. A beautiful lake glistening under the sun, some sheep leisurely following a shepherd, birds peacefully perched on the trees—it was very peaceful from every aspect. But was it really peace?
The second artist had a whole different perspective on peace. His painting portrayed a stormy night with sharp lightning slicing through the sky, massive waves violently crashing on the rocks, and trees that were bent over by the fierce wind. It was a painting of complete chaos. But if you looked closely, there was a little bird on a rock at the edge of the painting. The little bird was singing its little heart out while remaining unaffected by the severe storm. There was one little, solitary ray of light breaking through the storm and shining on the tiny bird.
When it was all said and done, the second artist was the winner. Why? Because his painting embodied true peace. Keep in mind that peace isn't just about calm circumstances; it's really about the calm found within you when everything around you is chaotic.
When the storms of life hit, our tendency is to fearfully and anxiously wait for them to pass. But there is a different way to respond because of our position in Christ. God offers us extraordinary peace. Look at how Philippians 4:7 (CSB) puts it: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The key phrase is “in Christ Jesus.” God gives you His peace not based on your performance but on your position. You don't earn His peace; it is a gift based on your faith and trust in Him and His sovereignty.
You can live a life of peace in the middle of this chaotic world, much like the bird that was singing its song, not because it was safe from the storm but because it was unmoved by its external circumstances. Your faith can be like the little bird’s song, rising above the crazy winds and crashing waves of this world to acknowledge the truth that is found in Psalm 46:1 (CSB), “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”
Having peace is not living in the absence of chaos; it's living in the presence of God despite the chaos. This is why it's important to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33) and to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). Additionally, as 2 Peter 1:5–7 (CSB) says, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” When these things are the focus of your life, you may just find yourself praising God in the midst of this world's chaos.