The Picture of True Peace (Peace of God like a river)
To commemorate World Peace Day some time ago, the United Nations Organization called for entries of paintings depicting “peace.”
You might expect the winning entry to be a quiet sunrise over an empty field or a dove floating in a blue sky. However, the winning entry was a picture of a calm bird perched on a tree branch amid thunder, lightning, and a raging storm.
That picture said it all.
It perfectly illustrates the reality of our faith: Peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the calmness of your mind in the midst of it.
As Christians, we know that scripture warns us: “In this world, you shall have tribulation.” But it doesn’t stop there; it also tells us to “be of good cheer” because Jesus has overcome the world.
A World on Edge
If you look around today, it feels like the storm is raging louder than ever. The world is currently going through a difficult season. Nations, organizations, families, and individuals are on edge by reason of events happening all around us.
We aren’t just hearing rumors of wars anymore; we are seeing them play out in real-time. We are witnessing:
- Devastating earthquakes in unlikely places.
- Floods washing away whole communities.
- Hurricanes and record-breaking heat waves.
The combined effect is staggering. We are seeing death, injury, displacement, hunger, and disease on a massive scale. Add to this the economic uncertainty caused by oppressive policies and harsh governance, and the burden becomes heavy.
The attending emotional weight of all these realities has caused peace to elude so many people.
The Desperate Search for Relief
According to global reports, approximately 720,000 people die annually due to suicide, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. Even though taking one’s life is never the answer, many are resorting to it simply to escape the pain.
Furthermore, a lot of young people are turning to drugs and substance abuse to numb the noise. The effect? An all-time high rate of domestic violence, marital breakdown, and lawlessness. Government approaches often feel like “too little, too late,” and prison facilities across nations are filled to capacity.
Truly, the earth seems to be at war with itself.
Jesus: Our Only Hope
Amidst this sinking sand, Jesus Christ offers the only genuine hope, Peace of God like a river, and assurance.
As the songwriter famously wrote:
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”
Here is the greatest invitation found in Scripture:
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Like that bird in the painting, you can possess inner peace even when the world around you is chaotic.
Why You Can Trust Him
This peace isn’t wishful thinking; it is based on divine assurance. In Christ, you can rest knowing that:
- All things work together for good: For those who love God, no tragedy is wasted. He turns messes into messages.
- Your Redeemer Lives: You do not need to fear tomorrow because the One who holds tomorrow holds you.
- Provision is Guaranteed: You cannot starve because your God has promised to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.
You can actually trust this God. Jesus Christ offers a peace that surpasses all human understanding, Peace of God like a river that guards your heart and mind.
Signs of the End Times
We must be realistic. Kidnapping, ritual killing, organ harvesting, human trafficking, marital separation, job loss, disobedient children, displacement, and famine are not just random human concerns. They are signs of the times.
The scriptures warned us:
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” – 2 Timothy 3:1
We may not be able to create a “better” worldly system. Politics and money will never fix the human heart. NEVER.
BUT, in Christ Jesus, you can find a resting place for your soul. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders anymore.
Lay down your worries at His feet today.
Join Our Community
A loving community is praying for you right now here at Faith Leads University. You do not have to walk this path alone.
If you want to dive deeper into understanding the love that drives out fear, we invite you to enroll in our course: What Is Love. [https://flu.education/courses/what-is-love/]
Remember: Jesus Christ loves you.
Salvation Prayer
If you are reading this and you feel the weight of the world crushing you, or if you realize you have been trying to find peace in things that cannot satisfy, today is your day of salvation.
You can accept the peace of Jesus Christ right now by praying this simple prayer from your heart:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I am weary and heavy-laden with the cares of this world. I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that God raised You from the dead.
I ask You to come into my heart today. Be my Lord and Savior. Wash me clean from my sins. I lay down my anxieties, my fears, and my past at Your feet. I receive Your peace that passes all understanding.
Write my name in the Book of Life. Help me to live for You every day of my life.
Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
