Today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a day President Roosevelt said will live in “infamy.” The carnage and damage from the attack was brutally horrific, changing the course of history. As we think back in remembrance of that terrible day, we can easily ask the question how one can find peace in the throes of war? How can there be peace among destruction and chaos? The answer is found in the Bible and the one called the Prince of Peace.

The peace spoken of in Holy Scripture is in stark contrast from any other worldview’s definition of peace. Biblical peace is not peace with no strife or conflict, because that is unrealistic. It is peace while enduring trials and conflict. 

God’s peace does not abandon when trouble and tragedy comes our way. Rather His peace is a sustaining calming strength given to His people in the midst of it all. The peace of God will follow us through the darkest valley and tempest storm. Isaiah 26:3 speaks of the promise that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are on Him.

The world’s peace is not set in reality where people (understandably so) try to escape the chaos of life rather than sailing through the storms of life. In John 14:27, Jesus contrasts His peace with the world’s because His peace is supernatural and in the understanding of the reality that tough times are a part of life. Jesus’ peace sustains us in the realm of a fallen and broken world in contrast to the peace the world offers which is based in deceit and lies.

As we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor, don’t forget God brought believers through that day bringing peace within the midst of the historically altering storm. As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace in this Advent season, let it serve as a reminder to all of us the peace only Jesus can bring.