Peace That Restores Us

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“He himself is our peace.” — Ephesians 2:14

I've been writing Devos centered on the four themes of the Advent season: Joy, Peace, Hope, and Love, as we continue moving ever closer to Christmas. 

Today, we've come back around to Peace, what it means, and how we can find it within us.  

God knows, we could use some peace right now in our troubled world.  The news is filled with tragic stories, political unrest, and so much more.  It sometimes feels impossible to feel any kind of peace at all.  

But I'm learning some things in these troubled times.  

Peace is rarely found by accident. It is cultivated, given, and received. We look for peace in quieter schedules, solved conflicts, or less pressure—but Advent reveals that peace is not circumstantial. Peace is a Person. He Himself is our peace.

That means peace does not begin with what is happening around us but with Who is present within us. Jesus enters fractured places—our relationships, our fears, our exhaustion—and begins the work of restoration. Not by magic, but by presence.

The angels’ proclamation of peace was not spoken over a world without violence or oppression. It was spoken into one. Peace is God’s refusal to let brokenness be final. When Jesus heals, forgives, reconciles, or calms storms, He is not merely solving problems—He is revealing who He is.

Peace restores first what is most inwardly damaged—our trust. Anxiety often whispers that we are alone, unseen, unsupported. But Advent answers: God is with us. Emmanuel. Peace enters through companionship, not control.

Jesus' final teaching to his disciples included these words,  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

These words were not just for those few, but for all of us who desire to follow Jesus.  We have the peace of Christ within us, all around us and through us.    

Where do you need peace to restore you? Maybe in strained relationships, in grief that lingers, or in pressure you cannot alleviate. Jesus does not shame us for needing peace. He meets us in the need and breathes peace over the places that ache.

Let Christ restore peace in you—not as escape, but as process; not as silence, but as companionship. He Himself is our peace. Let Him restore what turmoil has eroded.

Prayer

Prince of Peace, step into our unrest with Your restoring presence. Where our hearts are fractured, bring healing. Where our minds are anxious, bring calm. Where relationships feel strained, bring grace. Restore in us what fear has taken, and let Your peace take root deep within. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where in your life do you most need peace to restore what has been worn down?

  2. How does it change your understanding of peace to think of it as a Person rather than a condition?

  3. What might it look like to receive Christ’s peace instead of striving to create it?


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