Rediscovering Biblical Shalom in a Troubled World
Introduction
The phrase “Peace, peace, when there is no peace” echoes hauntingly from the pages of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, two prophets who lived during times of national crisis in ancient Israel. Their words, spoken thousands of years ago, remain strikingly relevant today. They challenge us to consider the nature of true peace, to recognize the dangers of complacency and superficial comfort, and to seek a deeper, more authentic shalom rooted in justice, faith, and reconciliation with God.
Biblical Context: Warnings from Jeremiah and Ezekiel
In the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11), the prophet rebukes leaders and false prophets who assure the people, “Peace, peace,” even as disaster looms. These voices offered comforting words, but their assurances were hollow. Ezekiel echoes this warning (Ezekiel 13:10-11), condemning those who “whitewash” the nation’s problems, giving the illusion of safety while ignoring the root causes of turmoil. The prophets saw that true peace could not exist while sin, idolatry, and injustice remained unaddressed.
Superficial Healing and Ignored Injustice
The false prophets of Jeremiah and Ezekiel’s day were guilty of offering superficial healing to deep wounds. They treated the symptoms but ignored the disease. By proclaiming peace without repentance or justice, they failed to confront the brokenness within society. The poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized suffered while leaders maintained a façade of normalcy. Injustice was ignored, and the call to return to God was drowned out by empty reassurances.
True Peace (Shalom): Wholeness, Justice, and Well-Being
Biblical peace, or shalom, is far richer than mere absence of conflict. Shalom encompasses wholeness, harmony, and well-being—both individually and within the community. It is rooted in justice, right relationships, and the presence of God. True shalom means restoration of what is broken, healing of wounds, and reconciliation where there has been division. It is the peace that results when justice flows like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream (Amos 5:24).
Significance for Today: Warning Against Complacency
The message of “Peace, peace, when there is no peace” warns us not to settle for easy answers or superficial solutions. In our own time, it is tempting to ignore injustice, to seek comfort without repentance, and to prefer tranquility over truth. Spiritual complacency can blind us to the deeper work God desires—healing wounds, confronting sin, and pursuing justice. The biblical call is to examine our lives, repent of what is broken, and seek genuine transformation.
Worldly Peace vs. God’s Peace
There is a profound difference between worldly peace—a fragile calm based on circumstance—and the peace Jesus offers. Worldly peace is easily disrupted; it depends on external factors and often comes at the cost of ignoring deeper issues. In contrast, the peace of Christ is rooted in reconciliation with God and the pursuit of righteousness. “My peace I give to you,” Jesus says, “not as the world gives” (John 14:27). His peace is a gift that endures through trials, a wholeness that comes from being made right with God.
The Path to True Peace: Reconciliation and Righteousness
Seeking true shalom means returning to the “old paths” of faithfulness, justice, and repentance (Jeremiah 6:16). It is found in honest self-examination, humble confession, and a commitment to pursue righteousness in every area of life. True peace begins with reconciliation—with God and with one another—and leads to the restoration of relationships, communities, and society. It is a journey that requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
Conclusion
The ancient warning, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace,” is a call to reject complacency and superficial comfort. It invites us to seek authentic peace—not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, wholeness, and well-being. As followers of Christ, let us pursue true shalom by embracing repentance, seeking justice, and nurturing our relationship with God. In doing so, we become agents of healing and hope in a world longing for genuine peace.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 