Again I Say: The Presence of Peace

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide

When we think about peace, we tend to think that peace is the absence of problems, conflict, or worry. We tell ourselves, “I’ll finally have peace when this situation is resolved, when this relationship is repaired, when this diagnosis changes, when my schedule calms down, or when life feels manageable again.” But Scripture invites us into a deeper understanding of peace. The peace of God is not simply the absence of angst or conflict—it is a presence that can exist in the middle of difficult situations. It is a gift from God that accompanies us through the storms of life rather than waiting for the storms to pass before appearing. This is why Paul speaks of a “peace that surpasses understanding.” It is a peace that doesn’t always make logical sense because it can coexist with grief, uncertainty, disappointment, and hardship.

Worry, on the other hand, naturally yields something in our lives. It often produces stress, impatience, frustration, sleeplessness, and attitudes that spill over into our relationships with others. Left unchecked, worry can quietly begin to shape the way we see ourselves, others, and even God. 

But what would it look like for worry to yield prayer? Prayer is a powerful tool for us, and it can become even more powerful when we are honest with God in our prayers. God does not expect polished words or perfect faith. He invites us to bring our real fears, our frustrations, our disappointments, and our hopes before Him. We can thank Him for the blessings we already see while also honestly asking Him for the things we need.