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Fear Not: The Peace We’re Meant to Know
I’ve been thinking about someone I love who battles anxiety. It’s heavy. It lingers. And it’s not always tied to circumstances. Sometimes, it’s just there. Creeping in quietly. Settling in loudly. Maybe you’ve felt that too.
I recently listened to a sermon by Pastor Mark Driscoll where he said something that stopped me in my tracks: Having the peace of God is different from having peace with God.
That really struck me.
As believers, we have peace with God because of Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection gave us that access. We are no longer enemies of God. We’ve been brought near, adopted, and forgiven. That is a permanent position.
But the peace of God? That is something we walk in. Or not. It is a gift we get to experience when we rest in Him, trust Him, and remember who He is. It is available to us, but we do not always receive it.
Anxiety, worry, and depression are real. But they also act as oppressors. They rob us of the peace Jesus died to give. And anxiety, as Pastor Mark pointed out, is often about seeking something to worry about. It is like rehearsing every “what if” and living it before it even happens. It wears us out. And the enemy uses that.
But God says it again and again in His Word:
Fear not.
Do not fear.
Do not be anxious.
Not once. Not twice. Over and over.
It’s not because life isn’t hard or scary. It’s because God is sovereign. He is with us. He is enough.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
—John 14:27
He gives peace. His peace.
If you have made peace with God, don’t miss the chance to live in the peace of God. Let His Word quiet your thoughts. Let His presence steady your heart. When anxiety calls you to follow it down a road of fear, pause. Breathe. Pray. Speak truth.
Remember this: Fear comes from Satan. Fear is a liar. God is not.
And His perfect love still casts out fear.
Reflection:
Is there a specific fear or anxious thought you’ve been holding onto lately? What might it look like to hand it to God today and invite His peace to take its place?
With love and hope,
Karen
July 8, 2025
As I read this I’m picturing a father teaching a child to swim and the child is frantically splashing in the water. The father stays calm constantly reassuring the child, and as soon as the child calms down and trusts in the hand that’s holding them everything gels and terror and fear turn to fun and learning.
Thank you!!!
This is a great analogy! Once we realize EVERYTHING is in God’s hands….the body relaxes, the mind stops racing. Then there is peace.
Fear of what the future holds leads to anxiety leads to depression. It’s become a never ending, churning, tossing eddy threatening to pull me under. It never does though. There are times that I’d welcome the relief. But my sweet Savior, reminds me of a time long ago, when I cried out to Him and he whispered in that still, small voice, “You’re not alone. I will never leave you.” His grace is sufficient. He gave me His peace that day. It’s what I draw upon daily. Thank you.
Amen and praise God! Jesus is our shelter and salvation.