We sometimes think of “peace and quiet” as part of the same saying. If we think about it further, we might further define “Quiet” as usually just the absence of noise, while “Peace” is a little more substantial. Being lost in the woods at night might be quiet, but not necessarily peaceful. Watching kids play on a playground (in those moments when they aren’t fighting) may be peaceful, but it’s probably not quiet. The good news is that God’s peace can dwell within us, even if things around us are noisy.
If you have struggled to find either quiet or peaceful time in the past week – whether externally or internally – consider that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Even if we ourselves are still trying to find that peace, we can be certain that we have found the source of perfect peace. This can generally be found through surrender to God, allowing Him to drive out the chaos, and show us His truth (within – or despite – the noise of other voices around us).
As Philippians 4:7 reminds us, the peace of God isn’t something that we can necessarily fully understand, even as we seek to participate in it.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NLT
If you struggle to find peace in your life, I encourage you to read Mark 4:35-41 today, for an example of how Jesus can bring peace – even from within a storm.
The first step to having peace is to know that it exists, and where to find it. The search for – and acquisition of – peace is not always a quick process, but it can be achieved. And, peace can be obtained even when the world around us is noisy and busy. May you find and experience more of the peace of God – true peace on earth – today.
See also:
A version of this devotion originally appeared at fcccanton.com, as a Study Guide for the September 22, 2013 message, “Getting Rid of Ambient Noise”. Re-used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Those Who Sin Differently 
Having peace with God is first of all the peace of a truce, a peace treaty: We are no longer at war with God if we accept him on his terms, which we have the ability to do because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ his Son. As we grow in our acceptance of this truth, our sense of peace grows as well. That God would offer Jesus to have our fellowship with him restored is incomprehensible, and our sense of peace that results is likewise beyond understanding — but not beyond our capacity, as he grants it, to experience.
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What a great summary. Without first accepting the ultimate peace treaty from God, our attempts to find lasting peace will be futile.
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