Peace in the Chaos: Why True Peace Is Only Found in Jesus

Dr. Laila Risgallah Wahba
7 days ago
4 min read

Every year on September 21st, the world observes the International Day of Peace—a call to ceasefire, end violence, and pursue harmony. Organizations host events, leaders issue speeches, and social media fills with doves, olive branches, and hashtags.

And yet… war rages. Nations crumble. Families fracture. Minds spiral.

The world talks about peace as if it’s a product we can purchase or a treaty we can sign. But for all our conferences and coalitions, something essential is missing.

What if peace isn’t a political achievement or emotional state?

What if peace is a person?

The World’s Idea of Peace Is Crumbling

Let’s face it: we’re living in chaotic times.

Headlines scream of wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)
Social media is a constant battleground of outrage and opinions
Economic instability, racial tension, political division, and natural disasters keep us on edge
Even within our own hearts, there’s unrest: anxiety, fear, grief, depression

The world has confused peace with quiet—a ceasefire in the noise, a momentary escape. But peace isn’t just the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of something far greater.

And that “something” is Jesus Christ.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.”— John 16:33

Let’s be clear: the promise is not a trouble-free life. Jesus never sugarcoated reality. The promise is that in Him, we can have peace despite the chaos.

Most of us instinctively search for peace in:

Circumstances: “If only things would calm down.”
People: “If they would just understand me.”
Possessions: “If I had a little more, I’d feel secure.”
Politics: “If our side wins, we’ll finally have peace.”

But all of those are shifting sand. The world can’t give what it didn’t create.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”— John 14:27

Jesus offers His peace. Not a knockoff version, not a temporary high. The same peace that allowed Him to sleep in a storm, to stay silent before accusers, and to forgive enemies on the cross. That peace doesn’t deny pain. It defies it.

The peace of Jesus is not theoretical. It’s lived out, daily, in the real world. Here are just a few examples that show what it looks like when Christ-centered peace meets real-world chaos:

Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16)

Beaten, bruised, and bound in a Philippian jail, Paul and Silas weren’t panicking or plotting an escape—they were singing hymns.

Their worship wasn’t circumstantial. It was rooted in a peace that prison couldn’t shake.

Peace is not found in escape—it’s found in praise.

Let’s be honest: the world is doing its best to achieve peace. Diplomatic talks, social justice campaigns, interfaith dialogues—they're not bad. They can create temporary relief. But not lasting redemption.

World peace depends on people acting right. But people are broken. We don’t need behavior modification—we need heart transformation.

Only Jesus can take hearts of stone and make them flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).

The world’s peace is like duct tape on a cracked dam. It might hold for a bit, but it’s not built to last. Global “peace times” have historically been fleeting. The peace Jesus offers is eternal.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end…” — Isaiah 9:7

Earthly peace often requires unanimous agreement. But true peace transcends opinion. It’s not about everyone agreeing—it’s about everyone submitting to the Prince of Peace.

Jesus Calms the Chaos Within

Yes, wars and violence dominate the news. But let’s zoom in closer:

What about the wars inside us?

The battle with anxiety
The weight of grief
The ache of disappointment
The gnawing doubt about your worth

Jesus doesn’t just bring peace to the world—He brings peace to you.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” — Colossians 3:15

You don’t have to pretend everything is okay. You just have to invite Jesus in. Let Him speak “Peace, be still” over your raging thoughts. Here’s the good news: peace isn’t something you chase. It’s something you receive. But there are practical ways to let that peace take root in our lives.

Start With Surrender

Peace isn’t found in controlling more—it’s found in surrendering everything. Give Jesus access to the places you’ve been protecting.

Stay Anchored in God’s Word

The Bible doesn’t avoid chaos—it speaks directly to it. Meditate on verses like:

Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”

Cultivate a Prayer Life that Doesn’t Rush

Peace isn’t microwaved. It’s cultivated in the presence of God. Linger longer in prayer. Let the Spirit speak.

Stay in Community

Isolation is a peace killer. Let others pray with you, speak truth over you, and remind you of who you are in Christ. The Church isn’t just called to have peace—we’re called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). We are ambassadors of a Kingdom whose King is Peace Himself. When the world sees a unified, peace-filled Church, it sees a preview of heaven.

Jesus, Our Only Peace

The world will continue to offer band-aids for bullet wounds. But only Jesus offers a cure for the human condition. He doesn’t just give peace. He is peace. He doesn't just calm storms. He walks with us through them.

So on this International Day of Peace, may we remember: