Is Peace Even Possible in 2020? - Missing Peace Part 1

Shalom Shalom: Experiencing God’s Perfect Peace

Scripture References

Primary text

• Isaiah 26
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Philippians 4:8-9

Other references

• John 16:33
• John 14:27
• Romans 8

Overview

Everybody wishes for something—money, marriage, beauty—but underneath those desires lies a deeper cry for peace. 2020 has felt anything but peaceful, yet God promises “perfect peace” (shalom shalom) to those who trust Him. Drawing from Isaiah 26 and Philippians 4, the message shows that peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God, cultivated by fixing our minds on His truth and praising Him in every storm.

Main Points

The wish beneath every wish

• Even good wishes (wealth, relationships, success) cannot secure lasting contentment.
• Refrain of Scripture greetings—“grace and peace”—reveals what people truly need.
• Without God’s peace you can have money in the bank, success on the outside, or even a spouse at home and still live empty and anxious.

God’s promise of “shalom shalom” (Isaiah 26)

• Context: Judah facing fear and instability; Isaiah foretells a day of passionate worship and security.
• “You will keep in perfect peace (shalom shalom) all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You.”
• Shalom = wholeness, completeness, peace with God, others, self, and circumstances.
• Double expression “shalom shalom” conveys a double portion—more than enough.
• Peace does not guarantee a pain-free life; Jesus plainly said trouble will come (John 16:33).

Peace begins in the mind—fix your thoughts

• Battle for peace is fought on the soil of our thoughts.
• Hebrew word “samak”: lean your mind fully on God.
• NIV & NLT agree—peace follows a steadfast mind, not a newsfeed-soaked mind.
• Paul’s counsel (Philippians 4:8-9): choose thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy.
• Practical question: “Where does my mind drift when it’s idle—faith or fear?”

Jesus’ peace in the storm

• Illustration: Disciples in a life-threatening storm while Jesus slept. Two storms existed—one outside in the wind and waves, another inside their hearts. Jesus calmed both with,

“Peace, be still.”

• You can’t speak what you don’t possess; Jesus gives His peace (John 14:27).
• Peace from Jesus is superior to circumstantial calm—world can’t give it and can’t steal it.

Practicing peace: praise, prayer, renewing the mind

• Story: On the same day Pastor Craig’s daughter delivered baby Spencer eight weeks early and his beloved mentor Pastor Nick fought for life in the hospital, he and Amy worshiped in their living room. As they praised, shalom shalom flooded them despite helplessness.

• Daily rhythm: Scripture first thing (YouVersion), capture negative thoughts, replace with truth, end the day recording where God worked and what to thank Him for.
• Philippians 4:6-7 blueprint: pray about everything, petition with thanksgiving, and God’s peace guards heart and mind.
• Real praise is thanking God in the middle of the storm; it drives back darkness.

Key Truths

• Perfect peace is not found in the absence of problems but in the presence of God.
• God offers a double portion—shalom shalom—to minds that lean fully on Him.
• The battleground for peace is our thought life; whatever captures the mind shapes the heart.
• Jesus doesn’t hand out a peace; He gives His own peace, stronger than any storm.
• Praise and gratitude are spiritual pathways that usher God’s peace into anxious moments.

Response

• Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy each day.
• Capture anxious or negative ideas and replace them with God’s promises.
• Praise God during the storm, not just after it passes.
• Pray about everything, presenting requests with thanksgiving.
• Record daily evidences of God’s faithfulness to train your mind toward peace.
• Receive Jesus’ gift of peace by surrendering your life to Him.

Closing

Peace in 2020 is not only possible—it is promised. The angels proclaimed “peace on earth,” Jesus declared, “My peace I give you,” and Isaiah prophesied shalom shalom for those who trust. As we lean our minds on God’s unfailing love, He guards us with a supernatural calm the world cannot explain.

“Peace be with you… go in peace—grace and peace for you.”

Prayer

The congregation joined in two prayers: first, a request for God’s peace in every anxious circumstance; second, a salvation prayer confessing sin and surrendering to Jesus, asking, “Heavenly Father, forgive all of my sins… fill me with Your Spirit so I can follow You… thank You for new life.”