Will There Be Peace in the New Year?

When we lived in Italy, going to the American Embassy was always kind of a big deal. We needed to have papers and identification in order. We prepared.

Despite our home country’s flag and passports in hand, walking into that imposing building, always brought a mixture of solemnity, pride, and respect. Guards flanked the doors, and checked our passports. And although it felt a little intimidating as we past each guard’s inspection, something else birthed. We felt a sense of belonging.

It’s January. Another year. Another New. And with it, a lot of questions about true peace have already sparked big conflicts.

We’ve just passed a season which celebrated peace. The angels on a hillside declared, “Peace on earth, good will to men.” We spoke of the Prince of Peace born in a manager. Later, Jesus spoke of leaving His peace with us. He called peacemakers, “blessed,” and the apostles in the writing of sacred Scripture commanded us to seek peace.

But, as time’s yo-yo sets itself for another spin of foreign wars and unrest at home, the idea of peace worries my mind a bit. It chafes uncomfortably against some of the realities I’ve been through.

What is peace really? I remember asking this at the foot of my daughter’s hospital bed, as I caressed unresponsive limbs. Where is it, I wondered.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

As this New Year begins, it’s a fair question. Where is this peace of which Jesus assures us?   

The Christ of Christmas, the prophesied Messiah, claimed the title of Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Expectations of those waiting for Him ran high. They figured He would break unjust chains of Rome and restore their Jewish nation to its rightful place. They expected Him to restore a sin-broken world and knit it together again as God intended when He created it.

But then Jesus died an unexpected and un-peaceful death.

Christ’s life, crucifixion, and resurrection, broke every chain of sin that wars in our souls and ravages our minds. This is where peace matters most because it must begin in our own hearts. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 ESV)

The Prince of Peace, confirmed that He is indeed the only One able to bring true inner peace with God.

But, I confess, I’ve wondered at times where is this peace that Paul speaks of in Philippians? The question battled in my thoughts and emotions next to a hospital bed, and it raises its sharp swords even now in the anguishes of day to day life.

Perhaps you have wondered too?

In this world, peace is often fleeting like a snowflake against the warmth of my palm and as inaccessible as the wind sweeping their flurries out of reach.

Yet,  Jesus promised a different sort of peace. One that would firmly remain even after He left this earth.

The Apostle Paul throws wide, yet confuses my conception of peace. He was concerned about the churches, afflicted, and perplexed. He writes of being so burdened beyond his strength that he despaired of life. Yet, this same Paul paradoxically instructed us not to worry “about anything.” He assured us of a peace beyond understanding. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

Paul suffered. Yet, he rejoiced. Anguish and unrest revealed the truth of a different type of peace, one that can’t be comprehended.

These realities line our life’s walking paths.

I’ve often understood peace to mean absence of anguish and calmness of heart, but anguish and peace are not mutually exclusive. God’s peace is so much greater. He Himself stands guard over our hearts and minds. He surrounds us. He protects. Even in the deepest anguish of our experiences.

I look back on my life and various testings and trials, and recognize a soul stretched beyond what I thought bearable. Yet, in that narrow rearview mirror perspective, I see now what I didn’t always recognize then. I see the peace Jesus promised. I know His abundant grace. I’ve often understood peace to mean absence of anguish and calmness of heart, but God’s peace is so much greater. Share on X

Jesus has won the victory. He has the right and the power to stand guard. He hedges us, filters our trials through His impenetrable hands, so nothing and no one gets past His Sovereign will. 

Many testings in my life do not testify of His removal of difficult circumstances, yet they do testify of His guarding me in them. He held my mind and heart. He anchored me to the truth. His Word ministered the balm of His Spirit into those deep wounds of my soul which cried out for His peace. His goodness remained.

What kind of peace will the new year bring?

I yearn for the type of peace in 2026 that removes fear, anxiety, and anguish. But, a bit like the guards who thumbed through my passport, and said, “She’s good. She belongs to us,” I am reminded that there is One who stands Guard. I belong to Him and He is my Prince of Peace.

As I step into January, this assurance gives me confidence that His good hands surround my life, mind, and heart for whatever lies ahead.

*Feature Photo by Maddy Baker on Unsplash