I Choose PeaceSample

Choosing Peace in Difficult Circumstances

When COVID-19 first spread around the world in the spring of 2020 and whole nations were sent home to shelter in place, many people discovered that the props they depended on to give them peace—in other words, their gods—had failed. We had to face our lack of contentment.

In our fallen nature, we are not content. Part of that is by design; God has wired us to long for spiritual growth. But self-focus distorts that God-given ambition toward seeking more—more money, more power, more stuff. And all those things we think will make us content end up satisfying for a moment. Until we are discontent again. 

The other extreme is detachment. If you don’t care about anything, then you can be content with what you have. But that leads to quenching emotion and insisting on self-denial. 

Neither extreme is a solution. How then can we experience the peace we long for in difficult circumstances? Paul gives us an answer in Philippians 4. 

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12)

As with virtually everything in the Christian life, it’s a journey, not an instant fix. Twice in this short passage Paul says, “I have learned.” He has learned that it’s possible to be truly at peace in every situation in life because peace isn’t dependent on circumstances. It’s dependent upon abiding in a deep relationship with Jesus. 

As Paul continues in the same passage, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Here’s the bottom line: Having peace is not passive acceptance of the status quo. It’s the positive assurance that God has supplied all your needs. You are called to peace in every circumstance, and you already have everything you need to enter into it.