17. Find Peace That Doesn’t Depend on Circumstances | John Ortberg
Apr 29, 2025
15:13
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Quick takeaways
True peace is found in trusting God's presence rather than in perfect circumstances, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with assurance.
Embracing discomfort and uncertainty can lead to personal transformation and deeper growth, revealing God's presence amidst our trials.
Deep dives
The Gift of Peace in Troubled Times
The theme of peace is central to navigating a troubled world, as emphasized through the teachings of Jesus. He offers peace not based on worldly circumstances but as a gift that transcends turmoil. This peace, defined by Dallas Willard as the 'rest of will that comes from the assurance of how things will turn out,' allows individuals to live purposefully despite challenges. Even in their darkest moments, such as facing persecution or impending danger, followers of Jesus are encouraged to embrace this internal peace as a pathway to overcoming fear and anxiety.
The Illusion of Worldly Peace
Many people mistakenly believe that achieving external circumstances will result in inner peace, a concept explored through the work of psychologist Daniel Kahneman. His research demonstrates the 'focusing illusion' where individuals inaccurately predict that specific circumstances, like a new job or location, will enhance their happiness. This belief overlooks the complex relationship between circumstances and well-being, as true peace is found in the assurance of God's presence, rather than fleeting external factors. The message reinforces that seeking comfort and certainty can lead to stagnation, and true growth requires embracing uncertainty.
Embracing Challenges for Growth
Jesus teaches that true peace comes not from avoiding difficulties but by confronting them with courage and faith. This involves a paradigm shift where individuals are encouraged to 'want' what they usually resist, such as discomfort and challenges, as these experiences lead to deeper growth. By stepping into uncertainties and engaging with life's challenges, one can discover God's presence in every circumstance, similar to biblical figures who found strength in their trials. The call to embrace difficulties as opportunities allows for personal transformation and the manifestation of peace within oneself.
In a world full of troubles, Jesus offers not just any peace, but his peace—a soul-deep, unshakable assurance that transcends circumstances. Peace isn’t found in perfect conditions but in trusting God's presence and sovereignty. Stories of courage, studies on happiness, and reflections on suffering all point to the same truth: we don't need a peaceful life to have a peace-filled heart. True peace grows when we stop resisting hardship, step into it with trust, and find God waiting for us there. Today’s call is simple but brave: want what you’ve been avoiding, and find peace inside the struggle.
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