If you’ve watched the news for more than about eight seconds lately, you’ve probably figured out something really profound: We are not very good at peace.

Globally, nationally, online, in traffic, in families, even sometimes in churches… peace is not exactly our default setting. You don’t even have to turn on the news—just open Facebook and read the comments section. That’ll bless your heart.

Peace is a big deal to God. There are over 400 references to peace in Scripture. From the peace Adam and Eve had with God in the garden, to the peace God promises in the new heaven and new earth, peace is one of the guiding themes of Scripture.