Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
—Psalm 85:10 NASB1995

“Cease-fire” is a phrase you often hear on news reports from faraway wars. One leader or another has come to the table to negotiate peace. But what does it mean to have peace with God? The only doorway you can walk through to obtain peace with God is to receive Jesus’s gift of forgiveness. Still, that doesn’t guarantee you will always experience peace with God. This passage from Jeremiah, for example, describes the atmosphere during a time of rebellion in Israel:

“From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.
They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.
‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”
—Jeremiah 6:13-14 NIV

Poor Jeremiah! He was honoring God in obedience, yet the bullhorns of the false prophets tried to drown out God’s message. At the same time, I want to argue that even in the face of persecution and tribulation, Jeremiah found peace with God. Although he witnessed egregious sins and the false prophets acted as if they were nothing, Jeremiah knew He was fulfilling God’s call on His life, and in that, “righteousness and peace kissed.”

In stark contrast to Jeremiah’s experience, my life is quiet. There is ministry work, painting, friends, and family—all filled with blessings and difficulties—and I’m not in danger of being thrown into a cistern like Jeremiah was. However, many believers do face a dangerous life of service to God. The social worker who must remove a child from an abusive home or a persecuted missionary overseas may feel the weight of social sin like Jeremiah did. But wherever God leads, and whatever He ordains for your life this side of Heaven, if you revere God and obey Him, you will experience peace with God that surpasses understanding. This peace is not just a fleeting feeling, but a deep reassurance and comfort that comes from knowing you are in God’s will.

Many people, even Christians, miss God’s best because they feel God’s way is narrow, dull, small-minded, or harsh. Well, it is narrow—like a paved road with guardrails—but it is never dull! It is where “righteousness and joy have kissed!” That is the fruit of a joy-filled life of freedom in Jesus. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep, abiding joy that comes from living in righteousness. We do not need to strive to be the best, have the most, or even do the most. Like children in a loving home, we wake up expectantly, thank God for another day, and trust Him to provide and guide until tomorrow. Sometimes our days are filled with work. That can be difficult, yet God strengthens us physically, mentally, and spiritually through our work. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit leads us into a time of rest, where we relax in the presence of God and are refreshed. On other days, we may be sick, suffer loss, or endure persecution, just as Jeremiah did.

Ironically, in our freedom-focused culture, we tend to ignore the bondage that sin lures us into. Like a cunning hunter, the enemy lays bait on the ground next to the snare and calls it “good.” But what attracts the senses leads us into bondage, not peace. This bondage can come in the form of addiction, sickness, or broken relationships, all the while promising pleasure and “happiness.” But peace never comes in the choppy seas of sin because all sin separates us from God and our calling. But when we live out the life God created us for, we experience true freedom and God’s pleasure. In other words, ultimate freedom is to be at peace with God.

Whatever your situation, I challenge you to ask God to give you peace in all circumstances. Trust Him, regardless of the medical diagnosis, relational problem, or dangerous surroundings. Spend time with God, seeking His wisdom and direction for your life. Confess sin and ask for His forgiveness so there is no “tension” in your heart toward Him. This will enable you to discern between true peace and temporary relief. After all, Jesus is the Prince of Peace!

Father, take my blinders off and give me ears to hear as You call my name daily. Thank you for giving me a desire to please You and an understanding of Your immeasurable love for me. May You continue to fill me with joy and peace as I trust in You.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
in peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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