For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

When you think of peace, what picture comes to mind? A quiet lake with trees reflecting like glass? A sunrise or sunset? The gentle sound of water lapping against the shore?

One of my favorite paintings symbolizing peace is the picture of a huge waterfall. The water was plunging over a cliff and in the background bolts of lightning lit up the sky. Yet, tucked into the cliff in a quiet safe place, was a bird securely snuggled into it’s nest. Peace in the midst of the storm.

Thomas Watson once wrote, “If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.”

I love the last part of that statement. The world creates trouble in the time of peace, but God, and only God, can create peace in the midst of trouble.

Jesus warns us that trouble would be a natural part of our world, yet he promised that he had already overcome the world. Those problems facing you tomorrow? Already handled. The answer is on the way!

Isaiah describes Messiah as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and our Prince of Peace. Prince of Peace is an interesting term. The name “Prince of Peace” in Hebrew is ‘Shar Shalom’, which means “the one who removes all peace-disturbing factors and secures the peace.” The prince would often lead the charge in battle. He had all the tools and resources he’d need to defeat the enemy. He had the blessing of the King.

Jesus not only protects the peace, as a mighty warrior he defeats everything that would take away our peace. He destroys the peace destroyers that threaten our lives. He can heal the broken relationship. He comforts us when we need comforting. He allows strength when we are weak, courage when we are afraid, love when we feel abandoned, valued when we are rejected.

This week as we focus on peace, let us remember that anything that would rob us of peace has been defeated on the cross!