Peace on Earth

I’m looking for peace in the midst of my storms.
One night two thousand years ago, a few shepherds tending their flocks near Bethlehem heard a host of angels with a birth announcement: “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace, good will toward men.” This was wonderful news for a community under Roman rule, but the peace didn’t come—at least not in the way they expected.
Jesus said, “Do you think I’ve come to bring peace to the world? No, I bring division” (Luke 12:51). Wars and rumors of wars followed, just as he predicted. He said people would be partying and ignoring God’s call to hear and follow him until the day he returned, just like it was in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:38–39).
Where can I find peace? Must I wait for Heaven before I see it?
Jesus said, “I give you peace that is nothing like the world has to offer. Because of me, you do not have to worry or fear.”
If I expect peace in the world, I’m probably looking in the wrong place. Like the disciples in the raging storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:37–41), I see winds of terror and threatening waves. But if I know Jesus is with me in the boat, the world may be in turmoil but I can be at peace.