The Road To: Peace
The road to: Peace
Understanding the Peace That Surpasses Understanding
Do we truly understand peace? I’m not referring to geopolitical treaties or the absence of war, but rather the
personal, profound peace described in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is unique to every individual,
and by its very nature, it challenges our logic. But have you ever paused to consider what it means for peace to
“guard” your heart or your mind?
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas season, I invite you to meditate on these questions: From a
personal perspective, what does peace look like for you? What does it feel like? How does it talk, sound, or
act? The Bible guides us toward three distinct but related dimensions of peace. It is more than just a feeling of
“calm”—it is a gift in three parts:
1. Peace With God (Harmony)
The first dimension is our foundational harmony with the Creator. I am often reminded of the hymn “It Is Well
with My Soul.” Can you hear the echoing refrain?
. . . It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.
In John 14:27, Jesus promises: “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.” Remember that this peace is a gift; we cannot
earn it. Does knowing this truth give you a deeper sense of security?
2. Peace With Others (Unity)
At CPC, our mission is to welcome all people into God’s way of life and community. This requires the “Peace of
Unity.” Paul writes in Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you
were called in one body. And be thankful." In this context, the peace of Christ acts like an umpire or a referee.
It guides us to resolve disagreements and choose love over hatred. We might ask ourselves: How am I
contributing to this unity? Do I see this responsibility as a burden, or a blessing?
3. Peace From God (Calm)
Finally, there is the restorative peace that flows directly from God to us. The spiritual hymn “Peace Like a
River” —a favorite in our preschool chapel services—draws its imagery from Isaiah 66:12, where God promises
peace “like a river.” It is a magnificent metaphor: a constant, unwavering flow. Are you soaking in this river?
Are you drinking from it to quench your spiritual thirst?
Peace in Practice
How do these three gifts—Harmony, Unity, and Calm—apply to your prayer life? A beautiful starting point is
the Prayer of Saint Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
What peace are you seeking today?
Praying for you,
PB
Photo credit: Photo by Sami Matias Breilin on unsplash.com
Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) welcomes all people into God’s way of life and community.
“Community” means those we know well and those we hope to know, those sitting next to us in a pew, and those we encounter day by day. It’s large and expansivew. It’s small and intimate.
Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502
info@sjcpres.org