July 28, 2026

I’ve been seeking “peace” this year. In fact, at the beginning of the year, when I thought about choosing a word for the year, I kept coming back to peace.

I want peace. I’m wishing for peace in my life. I’m almost desperate for it.

But nothing about this year has been peaceful.

As I’m pondering this, over halfway through the year (yikes!), I realize that maybe it’s my definition of peace that is skewed. What I consider to be peace may be different than what God considers it to be.

So, what’s a girl to do? Well, first, go to Scripture. Over the next week or so, I’m going to be looking at verses about peace. This includes inner peace, peace with God and peace with others.

Here’s the plan: Look up verses on peace. Meditate on them. Study them. Perhaps I’ll figure out what peace is during this search or come to a better definition. And maybe there’s someone else out there who’s also struggling with peace. We can all help each other.

Let’s start with the verse I looked up today:

I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. ~John14:27 (NLT)

The CSB translation says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”

Jesus knew that the disciples would face a difficult and confusing time as His crucifixion drew near. He wanted to give them comfort and hope. And that was my overall impression of this verse. It was about hope. Does hope lead to peace?

When we’re in the middle of difficult times, it’s hard to have hope and especially difficult to find peace. Yet God’s peace is like no other. Therefore, no matter our circumstances, we don’t need to be troubled or afraid because God walks with us.

Whatever we’re facing, God is with us. He’s the God of hope and the God of peace. That peace may not feel the way we want it to feel, but it’s there anyway.

For me, maybe I want peace to mean that no bad things will happen or that we’re at least able to roll with the bad things easily.

Obviously, that’s not always the case. But peace can still be found.

For me, I may have to dig a little deeper to find it. I feel like I can always find hope, but I struggle more with peace. Time to get my shovel out and start digging a little more.

My prayer today for all of us is that God will show us His peace in little and big ways. It’s there if we look for it.

What about you? Please share how you find peace within your circumstances.

Let’s encourage one another today.