More Than ‘Not Terrible’
When I cook a new dish and ask my wife how it turned out, there are three words I never want to hear: “It’s not terrible.” That’s hardly a ringing endorsement! Yet when it comes to peace in life, we often settle for a watered-down version that’s merely “not terrible” and devoid of conflict. True peace, however, is meant to be so much more.
Shalom: Whole and Flourishing
The Hebrew word shalom beautifully encapsulates the kind of whole, flourishing peace God desires for us. Shalom is harmony, rightness, and wellbeing in all areas. It’s when everything and everyone is in their proper place, fulfilling their purpose. Peace comes when we draw confidence from our relationship with God. Stress, on the other hand, arises when the pressures and chaos of life seem bigger than our ability to handle them.
During the Advent season, we’re reminded that Jesus came to bring true shalom, peace on earth. God himself stepped into the messiness and brokenness of humanity at Christmas, offering us the chance to be reconciled and know him intimately. The angels announced his arrival to the shepherds as “good news of great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10), capping their proclamation with “peace to those on whom his favor rests.” All we need to do is place our trust fully in Christ to know supernatural peace.
We see stories and examples of this kind of peace throughout Scripture. In Genesis 21, Abraham models integrity and godly confidence as he negotiates a treaty with King Abimelech. Though Abraham was a humble shepherd while Abimelech had money and military might, the king approached Abraham first, wanting to ally with him because “God is with you in all that you do” (Gen. 21:22).
Despite their power difference, Abraham dealt honestly with Abimelech, even confronting him over a well his men had seized. Abraham trusted God to help the parties make peace. He sealed the treaty by planting a tamarisk tree that would take years to mature and provide shade – a symbolic demonstration of his faith that God would keep blessing future generations. Abraham found peace not through his own strength but through integrity and confidence in God’s providence.
Knowing God Brings Peace
The truth is, we cannot know the peace of God without knowing God himself intimately, just as we cannot know the joy of marriage unless we know our spouse. As we grow in relationship with Christ, fully trusting him with each area of our lives, we will understand more of his character and gain confidence that the chaos around us is no match for him. We will find a “peace that surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7) even amidst great hardship.
This Advent, may the Prince of Peace lead us into rest, hope and joy. Let’s accept no counterfeits – not even “not terrible” peace – but the wholeness of shalom found in Jesus alone.
This devotion is based on a sermon given by Dr. Christopher Stapper at Third Coast Church in Corpus Christi, TX on December 3, 2023.