And if we expect peace in this age to always feel peaceful, we’ll rarely experience real peace — the kind that meets reality and adversity head-on. If we never feel any tension, urgency, or desperation in our peace, then we’re probably experiencing something other than true inner peace. It might feel peaceful for the moment, but it isn’t the peace our souls need.
Part of why inner peace is so elusive is because we expect it to feel more peaceful than it really does.
And if we expect peace in this age to always feel peaceful, we’ll rarely experience real peace — the kind that meets reality and adversity head-on. If we never feel any tension, urgency, or desperation in our peace, then we’re probably experiencing something other than true inner peace. It might feel peaceful for the moment, but it isn’t the peace our souls need.
One key to experiencing real peace, for now, is expecting it to come in and through adversity. After all, inner peace would not be very precious or remarkable if we experienced it only when everything was predictable, comfortable, and safe. God wants our inner peace to disturb the world, leaving others wondering how we could possibly enjoy emotional stability and rest in the midst of what we’re suffering or enduring.
The peace God pours out by his Spirit does give us space and freedom to rest, but it also inspires us to live boldly and courageously for him at the front lines of the fiercest battles and in the most challenging circumstances we face. God quiets our souls — and he sets them on fire.
Desperate Soldier
When an ancient city was at war or under siege, the watchmen stood at the walls to watch for the enemy. While others rested, they had to be vigilant at all times, staring into the dark, searching for any sign of threat or danger. If they fell asleep, or were distracted, and the enemy attacked, the city would be at great risk. The lives of their friends and family hung on their ability to stay awake and alert.
Watchmen surveyed as much as they could see in the pitch-black night, not sure where to look or what to expect. They watched and watched for hours, feeling afraid and exhausted. Until morning broke, and the sun brought everything to light, finally relieving them of their post.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning. (Psalm 130:5–6)
What does inner peace in God look like in a broken world? Like a war-torn soldier, staring into darkness, aware of enemy threats on every side, desperate for sunrise. Not doubting or despairing, but genuinely desperate.
