The apostle Paul, locked in a depressing prison cell, wrote, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." He reminded his readers that they also could have "God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding." You too can have this unique contentment and peace!

Peace. Ah, the word itself stirs calming and pleasant thoughts. Hearts yearn for peace. In fact, a common greeting in many languages is to wish someone peace, like shalom (Hebrew) or aloha (Hawaiian). Even Jesus Christ used it (John 20:19, 21, 26).
How about your life? Are you stressed out with life's pressures and wanting more peace? Most people would say yes! The Bible focuses on three areas of peace: personal peace of mind, doing what we can to have peace in our relationships with others and eventual peace among all nations. True peace of mind is an inner calm, contentment and confidence no matter what the outer circumstances. This seems impossible, but "with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27).

A planet without peace
We live in a frightening and frenzied world. We used to hear of someone being a nervous wreck or suffering a nervous breakdown. Emotions haven't changed as much as terminology. Tension, anxiety, depression and panic attacks are the common designations today. One result is the overuse and abuse of alcohol and legal drugs as well as the use of illegal drugs- as people turn to temporary escapism instead of seeking long-term solutions.
Finding peace in a contentious world can seem hopeless, but Scripture tells us to "seek peace and pursue it" (1 Peter 3:11). Seek it by taking time to read the Bible, by far the greatest book on peace ever written (Col. 3:15-16). Pursue it through prayer to the very "God of peace" (Hebrews 13:20). Christ's followers are protected from many trials and dangers, but not all. In fact, some trials, like persecution, happen because of trying to "live a godly life in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:12). The key is to rely on Christ, the source of sublime peace (John 14:27; 16:33) and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He can "guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79).

Practical principles and spiritual dangers
To experience peace, you must take responsibility for your thoughts (Philip. 4:8). With God's help you can quit reacting with anger or self-pity. It's not your circumstances or other people that determine your mood; it is your attitude about them. "Whoever lacks self-control is like a city breached, without walls" (Prov. 25:28, emphasis added throughout). Today, many good books and Web sites have practical advice on reducing physical and mental stress. Some keys are to learn good interpersonal skills, be positive and flexible, exercise, get good nutrition and sleep, learn to relax, and rest one day each week.
However, don't trust everything that is written. New Age teachings, based on pagan ideas with new scientific-sounding terminology, have mushroomed in popularity. As people have pushed the Bible out of their lives, they have been filling the spiritual vacuum with a dangerous counterfeit spirituality. Learning and living by the Bible brings more mental and emotional benefits than any New Age teaching. Furthermore, instead of being drawn into the paganism of false gods, one is drawing close to the true Creator God who inspired the Bible.

Fear and worry versus faith, courage and peace
For most people, the most common type of meditation- thinking intently on a particular subject- is fear or worry! But guess what single command in the Bible occurs more often than any other? Fear not. But how is that possible? We must replace fear with faith- a childlike trust in your heavenly Father. "Those of steadfast mind You keep in peace- in peace because they trust in You." (Isaiah 26:3). The Hebrew expression translated "perfect peace" here is literally "peace, peace." It refers to the superior kind of peace that God makes possible for human beings. And those who have this peace are hoping for ultimate divine peace in the resurrection!
Trust in God to be your shelter and shade, your refuge and fortress (Psalm 61:4; 121:5; 91:2). David wrote, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me" (Ps. 23:4). Worry is a type of fear, and Jesus repeatedly said, "Do not worry" (Matt. 6:25-34). Worry is a waste of time and energy. The Creator provides for all His creatures, and "you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:31).
We cannot experience true faith and peace without obedience to God. His perfect commandments define the way of peace. God said, "Oh, that you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea" (Isaiah 48:18). The issue of fear is not primarily about emotion. "Fear not" means to have the courage to do the right thing even when it seems frightening. Knowing "the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" will give you the needed "good courage" to go forward anyway (Joshua 1:9).

The greatest key to peace: God's Spirit
True peace of mind depends on attaining "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1). Begin by humbly turning control over to God. Trying to manage our lives on our own generally brings only frustration and confusion, yet "God is a God not of disorder but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33). Do as Peter instructed: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). These two great gifts of God- forgiveness and the Holy Spirit- result in "righteousness and peace and joy" (Rom. 14:17). Even better, they lead to the greatest gift of all- eternal life (Rom. 6:23). The "hope of eternal life" takes away the "fear of death" (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 2:15). No other comfort compares! In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul is apparently likening the Holy Spirit to a tree of life. He said, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Consider carefully the relationship of peace to all the other virtues that come through the Spirit. Each helps produce and maintain all the others.

"Grace and peace"
The New Testament adds great theological meaning to "grace" and "peace." Grace includes God's wonderful gift of forgiveness (Eph. 1:7). Grace heals the guilt! It is the great prerequisite to peace. First pardon, then peace. God's grace also makes us "sons of God" (Gal. 3:26). What peace to know we are the beloved of our gracious Father! Therefore the distinctly Christian greeting gave honor to the One who gives us grace and, as a result, real peace.

Enjoy peace and be peacemakers
Peace and harmony come to those who extend it to others. Paul wrote, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom. 12:18). We are called to be peacemakers, following the example of the supreme Peacemaker (Matt. 5:9). Pray that God will make it possible for His people to "lead a quiet and peaceable life" (1 Tim. 2:2). Pray for peace of mind. Pray for peaceful relationships. And pray for God's peaceful Kingdom to come soon!