Peace: More than the Absence of Conflict

Dear Mosaic Family,

Biblical peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is a profound mindset that anchors our thoughts and emotions in the assurance of God's sovereignty and goodness. This peace is not a fleeting moment of calm but a deliberate way of thinking about the world and our place within it, shaped by trust in God's promises. It cultivates an inner tranquility that persists even in the midst of life's storms, inviting us to rest in the knowledge that God's hand is steady, even when everything else seems uncertain. As the angel proclaims in Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" The life and message of Christ is so much more than going to Heaven one day. It is living in the knowledge that He cares for you, loves you, and knows you (that is, peace).

At the heart of biblical peace lies a hope that reshapes our perspective on every challenge we face. This hope is not rooted in wishful thinking but in the certainty of God's faithfulness, the security of His presence, and the harmony He desires for each of us. This mindset shifts our focus from fear to faith, from striving to surrender. It reminds us that our place in the world is not defined by the turmoil around us but by our identity as beloved children of God. The peace of Christ compels us to see the world not as it is, broken and disordered, but as it could be—restored, redeemed, and reconciled.

Living in this peace transforms our interactions with others and our responses to the inevitable difficulties of life. It empowers us to pursue reconciliation and harmony, becoming peacemakers in a divided world. More than a personal refuge, biblical peace is an invitation to extend God's shalom—His complete and perfect peace—to others. As we embrace this mindset, we embody the truth of Jeremiah 17:7-8: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." This peace empowers us to walk through the storms of life with confidence, radiating the hope and love of Christ to those around us.

See you Sunday,

Kjell