Bible Studies

Are You Praying for The Wrong Kind of Peace?

by Michael Edwards 
10/10/16
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I believe that most Christians, including myself, usually seek an inferior kind of peace. We pray for things to change and improve. We pray for bad things to stop and good things to happen. I completely understand why we do this, but we need to understand that we are praying for a second-rate kind of peace, circumstantial peace.

Circumstantial peace is the world’s kind of peace. If things are going well we have peace. However, if things go bad, when we need it the most, circumstantial peace is nowhere to be found. Circumstantial peace is the only kind of peace the world has access to, chasing it their entire lives. Trips to island beaches, solid careers, more than enough money and sound retirement accounts to name a few.

If we trust circumstances for peace, we give circumstances the power and authority to steal our peace. If we trust Jesus for our peace, circumstances can never steal our peace.

This is not the peace that Jesus left his followers. As Christians we have access to Jesus own peace (shalom) that surpasses all understanding.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7 ESV

Now, what would you rather have, peace based on perfect circumstances or Jesus peace that surpasses all understanding in any circumstance?

Not long ago, I made a decision that I would much rather have Jesus peace that surpasses all understanding. That may seem like an obvious choice until you realize it means choosing not to pray for a change in circumstances. Not asking for an increased income, a more comfortable home, a better car, an improved health issue and on and on. Honestly, it was a bit scary because we all like good circumstances, but I knew I had to make a choice. I also knew the only way I would break free from my need for the world’s peace, and to experience his peace, was to rely on and trust Jesus alone. My whole life I had prayed for circumstances to change so I would have peace. Now I prayed for his peace in the midst of my circumstances. His peace that lets us rise above fear, worry, and any circumstance.

One of the main reasons I said this prayer was the knowledge there will be things that go wrong in my future. I will see and experience tragedy, friends and family who become ill, death and other things. I decided that if I could walk in Jesus peace during these times, I could be of value, assistance, and comfort to those who were rocked by the circumstances.

Since I said my prayer, circumstances have often not been good. A couple of major things have gotten quite worse and at times my prayers have vacillated. But God has led me to a place where I realize I cannot afford to be worried, fearful, troubled, angry or negative in any way. I know I am on the right path and have a sense that God has plans to take me all the way.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV 

There is good news when it comes to circumstances though. While the presence of his peace is not generated by circumstances, his peace can and does change circumstances when it shows up.

So, what kind of peace do you want? The world’s second-rate circumstantial peace, or the peace which surpasses all understanding? The peace that will be present when things go wrong or circumstantial peace that is nowhere to be found when things go wrong. What kind of peace will you seek and pray for today? 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Col 3:15 ESV

… "Peace be with you." John 20:26b ESV

4-14-26 Update: I find myself with health. housing and financial issues where I absolutely must trust God. I can clearly see the priceless value of His peace in the storm. I need it more than ever. Sadly, I did not truly take the advice in this article to heart. If I had been practicing what I wrote in 2016, I would have that overwhelming peace right now. Now, I want it more than ever and believe God will come through. I had a great glimpse of HIs peace yesterday that came out of nowhere and I believe it will only get better. With His peace, I can go through any storm. So I am here to encourage you in the fact that Jesus peace is more than priceless. I strongly encourage you to take this article to heart more than I did when I wrote it and seek His peace and not the worlds. Prepare today for what will come tomorrow.

Read more: Chasing Circumstantial Peace Leaves Us with No Peace

See Yourself as God Does, Stop Doubting, Rest in Him, Walk in Peace

God WILL NOT Erase Your Names from of the Book of Life Christian

I Am a New Creation IN CHRIST

How to Walk in Jesus Peace No Matter What

Many more New Covenant Bible Studies HERE. Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross. 

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. Luke 22:20