Finding Peace In 2026
By Phil Rushton
Lead Pastor
“Acquire inward peace, and thousands around you will find their salvation.”
- St. Seraphim of Sarov
The new year is often a reflective time for me. I took some time over the holidays to do an annual Examen prayer. I looked back over the past year in gratitude and confession and looked ahead to the year to come, seeking God’s guidance and leading. One of the things I lamented about 2025 is how much time I spent worrying about things I couldn’t really change. The longing I have for 2026 is to live a life that is freer from fear and anxiety. I would like more peace in my life!
On Christmas Eve, I explored how we might live into scripture’s call to not be afraid. This imperative shows up hundreds of times in the scriptures. Jesus repeats this refrain regularly. In John 14:27, he says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” In Matthew 6:25, he says, “Do not worry about your life.” While these words provide comfort, they also seem elusive and unattainable. On what grounds are we able to live at peace when the world is full of suffering, pain, and loss?
I believe our ability to overcome fear requires that we find a source of peace that cannot be threatened by death or loss. Johann Christoph Arnold writes, “The only way to truly overcome our fear of death is to live life in such a way that its meaning cannot be taken away by death.” This sounds a lot like Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ command to not worry is connected to his call to not trust in the things of the world, where moths and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. Peace emerges when we live for the eternal and imperishable kingdom of God.
To find peace, then, we need a change of allegiance. One of the titles of the messiah is Prince of Peace. Addison H. Leitch writes, “Our trouble is that we want the Peace without the Prince.” While we want peace, we are often less ready to let God have full rule and reign over our hearts and lives. We continue to enthrone the idols of this world that are vulnerable to death and loss. If we put our trust in achievement, money, beauty, or worldly power, our peace will be contingent on something that is temporary and precarious. Even if we have some of these things in our life, we will be on edge about the prospect of losing them. True peace requires that we dethrone the idols that rule our hearts, and enthrone the true Prince of Peace!
Our journey towards peace in Christ is not simply good for us personally; it benefits the world around us. As St Seraphim of Sarov notes, the acquisition of inner peace will have a ripple effect on thousands around us. When you think about it, the roots of so much violence, discord, and division in our world can be traced back to a troubled and fearful heart.
We likely have many longings for our lives and for our world this year. In light of these longings, we often try to find practical solutions for personal or social change. Practical action is not without merit. It is helpful to set goals and translate our hopes and goals into tangible actions. I suspect, however, that the deeper longings we have for peace within and peace without require that we begin by attending to the state of our hearts.
Perhaps you might begin 2026 by reflecting on the following questions:
What is causing you fear and anxiety right now?
Who or what is ruling or guiding your life?
To what do you give your highest allegiance?
Are you living in such a way that the meaning of your life cannot be threatened by death or loss?
How does a life committed to Jesus alleviate your deepest fears?
God Bless,
Pastor Phil