What is it that comforts you? Is it food, shopping, television, music, work/busyness, sleeping or even relationships? These are our peace substitutes? We use them to soothe us or drown out our thoughts and emotions because we are disturbed, and we do not truly have peace. We are aware of those comfort foods we run to when we’re stressed or upset. It’s our temporary fix for the peace that we really need. We use the other peace substitutes in the same manner. Sometimes, we cling to people because they provide a temporary fix for peace. We can talk to them and tell them all of our troubles and we feel better, for a minute, maybe.

Peace is defined as tranquility, a calm and quiet state, free from disturbances or noise, with no anxiety. Therefore, when we find ourselves out of the realm of peace and we’re disturbed or anxious, we normally look for things or people to calm us. We look for our peace substitutes. The Word of God, however, directs us to Jesus the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Romans 5:1 states, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Many other scriptures refer to God as the “God of Peace” (Romans 15:33). Why then do we seek the peace substitutes instead of pursuing the peace of God?

How do we rid ourselves of peace substitutes and pursue the peace of God? We seek peace through the comfort of the Word of God. God assures us through His Word. Psalm 119:165 states, “Great peace have those who love Your law (Word); nothing can make them stumble.” The Word declares that we shall have great peace if we love God’s Word. Loving His Word is synonymous with believing His Word. We must believe what the Word says concerning our lives, our well-being, and our future. The Psalmist declares if we love God’s Word, believe His Word, trust His Word, nothing can make us stumble, nothing can disturb our peace. Another scripture states, “Cast all your anxieties, worries and concerns on Him, because He cares for you” (2 Peter 5:7). When we become anxious, fretful, worried or stressed, we are to go to God and give (let it go) all of those things to Him. We are not supposed to stuff ourselves with unhealthy foods to try to numb ourselves. We are not supposed to use things or people to bring us fleeting peace. We are to exchange our anxiety and stress for God’s peace. We are to hand them off to Him and trust Him to take care of it.

Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He has given us His Word so that we might have peace in knowing that He is greater than any struggle we may have; He is greater than any trial or test we may encounter. Lastly, God promises that He will “keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You (God), because he trusts in You (God)” (Isaiah 26:3). If we keep our focus on our Father and not on our situation, He promises He will keep us in peace.

Additional scriptures for your comfort: Isaiah 32:18; 48:18 & 54:10; Psalm 4:8; 29:11 & 85:8; Proverbs 16:7; Romans 2:10; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:25

If this post has encouraged you, please share a comment and/or use any of the social media buttons below to Like, Tweet, or Share this post with others. Peace and blessings!