There are wars, uprisings and rebellions. There is turmoil, anger, envy, dissension, hatred and worry in peoples’ hearts. The Bible describes this unrest as “the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud.”

Isaiah 57:20

By contrast, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 describes God as “the God of peace.” Christ promised His followers peace. Before Jesus went to heaven he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).

Here’s what we can learn from the Bible about peace.

Peace is a person.

“For he himself [Jesus] is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Sin separates us from God and is the main cause of unrest in our souls. When we accept Jesus and allow Him to live in our hearts, He becomes our peace.

Peace must be pursued.

The psalmist encourages us to run after peace. “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalms 34:14). We do this when we avoid controversy, speak kindly, and treat others as we’d want to be treated. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men” (Hebrews 12:14).

There is a Helper.

We’re not alone in our pursuit of peace; Jesus gave His Holy Spirit to help, encourage, and strengthen every believer. A result of the Spirit’s work in our lives is peace. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

Peace comes through prayer.

The world’s system does not make for peaceful lives. The apostle Peter prayed for our peace to be overflowing. “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2).

If our hearts and minds become troubled by situations or our circumstances, a worthy prayer is “God, I need a fresh supply of Your abundant peace.”

Study the peace manual.

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalms 119:165). Read the Bible daily, meditate on what God says, memorize Bible verses. An appreciation of the Bible and obedience to its precepts will result in a peaceful life.

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There is no greater peace in all the earth than the peace of God. The good news is it is available for every person.

This article was originally titled “God’s Abundant Peace.”