PEACE of Heart By Bishop Whitter
WINTER 2025 ISSUE | 6 minute read
"Peace of Heart"
A Calm Soul in Troubled Times
Winter can provide times of tranquility and quiet. We try hard to counter the colder weather with coziness. Comfort zones —such as warm blankets, fireplaces, and hot chocolate —are a pleasurable way to watch a snowstorm. These "warm fuzzies" can make Wintertime a peaceful time.
However, true peace isn't so easy to discover in today's culture. The comfort of well-being seems reserved for a few, and for too many, the future is bleak because today is bleak. According to research published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), the United States has fallen near the bottom of the 2025 Global Peace Index, ranking 128th out of 163 nations. Their research evaluates countries based on their levels of societal safety, security, ongoing conflict, and militarization. While we may be shocked by the statistics and may argue with the numbers, we all agree that we are in dire need of greater peace than we're experiencing today.
Who can possibly be at peace with so much war around the globe? With deep divides destroying our country, who can feel safe and secure? The world is full of injustice, hate, and fear. Good people suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue due to a troubled spirit. Far too many try to dull their senses through chemical abuse or other dysfunctional behavior. While creating even more problems, at least one may forget their problems for a while.
Into this harsh reality, God sends His Word as recorded in Psalms 29:11 "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." God blesses us with peace! He provides us with freedom from disturbance. He distributes tranquility to His children. He doesn't always change the circumstances, but He always offers peace to His children.
Carefully read and absorb the powerful truths in these verses:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." – John 14:27
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." – Isaiah 26:3
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." – Colossians 3:15
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." – John 16:33
Although God offers peace to us in difficult times, not all of us experience it. Peace of heart is not automatic for Christians. In fact, many believers are so crushed by the "winter" of their lives, peace seems impossible. Yet, the Lord offers peace to us.
What must one do to receive the peace that God offers?
Identify your source: what will bring you true peace? Do you need to be wealthy? Must everyone agree with you? Will you only have peace when every trouble is removed? Only Jesus brings peace!
Control your thoughts. Scripture teaches us how to transform our thinking, how to think on the good things, and how to have the mind of Christ.
Don't expect to understand it. Peace that passes understanding is an important spiritual truth. This simply means that, regardless of the troubles around us, we have a deep settled trust that God is in control and that everything will work out. Perhaps we can't explain it, but we sure can experience it!
The same winter weather that causes depression in some creates tranquility in others. While some fear the troublesome issues that surround us, others face these troubles with the calmness of heart that reveals absolute trust in the Lord.
This Winter, take some time to experience peace. You may not find it in front of a cozy fireplace. It may be in the middle of a snowstorm that you find your heart overwhelmed with an unexpected but divine peace. However peace comes, allow God to provide it. Accept it. And share it.
Here is my prayer for you: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." – Romans 15:13
Bishop Rick Whitter
State Administrative Bishop
Virginia Church of God State Office