The Illusion of Peace

False peace is the comfort of avoidance

I believe God doesn’t call us into comfort. He didn’t create us to live safe, cushioned lives. In fact, everything about the lives of the apostles was uncomfortable – leaving what they knew, traveling to unknown places, facing resistance, hate, threats, and even death. They gave up jobs, status, security, even family, because obedience to the Word of God mattered more than staying comfortable.  I would guess there was not always peace in their souls about choosing obedience to God’s word, and stepping into those unknown, uncomfortable places.

But somewhere along the way we’ve adopted this idea that if we have peace about a decision, then that must be the one God wants us to make.

But is that always true?

I think that peace can sometimes be a trap.

A false peace – rooted not in the Spirit, but in the soul. Because what feels peaceful to our soul (our mind, will and emotions) is simply what agrees with our flesh. And the flesh rarely wants what God commands.

We find peace in people agreeing with us.
We find peace in staying where it’s easy.
We find peace in avoiding the hard things.

But that kind of peace isn’t the fruit of the Spirit – it’s the comfort of avoidance.

True peace is different. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It’s not a requirement for obedience – it’s the result of walking by faith. It’s peace in the storm, not peace from the storm.

We want peace as a sign because we fear stepping into the unknown. We want peace because we want to control. But God doesn’t always give us the whole picture. He gives us His Word. And His Word always outweighs our feelings.

Can God give you peace to confirm a decision? Absolutely.

But is peace always His indicator? Not necessarily.

Even when you feel peace, it still has to line up with His Word. And sometimes, He’ll call you into uncomfortable places where everything in your soul wants to run – but your spirit knows – this is the path. Walk it.