When “Peace” Becomes an Excuse: Rethinking God’s Will

I cannot count how many times I’ve heard someone explain a decision with this line: “I just don’t feel peace about it.”

It comes up in all kinds of situations—whether someone is asked to serve in a ministry, consider a calling, reconcile a strained relationship, or step into a responsibility. Instead of saying plainly that they don’t want to, they wrap the hesitation in spiritual language: “I don’t have peace about it.”

But is peace really the ultimate litmus test for the will of God? Or have we, perhaps unknowingly, allowed “peace” to become a spiritualized excuse for inaction?

The Misuse of Peace

The Bible certainly speaks of peace as a blessing from God. Paul says,

• “To be spiritually minded is life and peace”(Romans 8:6). And again,

• “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

But notice something important: peace is presented as the fruit of obedience and prayerful submission to God, not as a mystical feeling to decide whether we will obey.

Too often, people use “lack of peace” as a spiritual cover for fear, laziness, indecision, or simple preference. If we are honest, sometimes “I don’t have peace” really means:

• “I’m uncomfortable.”

• “I don’t want to take responsibility.”

• “I prefer something easier.”

• “I’m afraid of failing.”

That is not biblical discernment—it’s avoidance wrapped in pious language.

Peace and the Will of God

The men and women in Scripture who followed God’s will did not always feel peaceful about it.

• Abraham left Ur without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). That was obedience, not comfort. Obedience was required even without certainty or ease.

• Moses argued with God at the burning bush because he felt inadequate (Exodus 4:10–13). His calling did not come with peace, but with a promise of God’s presence.

• Jeremiah, called to prophesy against Judah, lamented: “O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed” (Jeremiah 20:7). He faced persecution and grief but remained faithful despite minimal inner peace. He tried to resign from preaching, saying, “I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name.”But God’s Word was like a fire in his bones, and he could not hold back (Jeremiah 20:9). That doesn't sound like a very peaceful time.

• Paul (and other apostles) entered cities where he knew bonds and afflictions awaited (Acts 20:23). By modern standards, someone might have told him, “Brother, don’t go—You surely can't have peace about going into such a dangerous situation." Or "You won’t have peace” or "You may lose your peace if you do that." Yet Paul (and others) obeyed, even in the midst of hardship. Their “peace” was spiritual assurance, not comfort or safety.

• After Mount Carmel, Elijah fled in despair: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (1 Kings 19:4). Even after a great victory, he felt fear and hopelessness.

• Nehemiah faced opposition and threats while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. His heart was burdened but obedient (Nehemiah 6:9).

These examples remind us that peace is not always the precondition of God’s will. Sometimes God’s will leads us into difficulty, where peace only comes after we take steps of faith (if it even comes then).

Uneasiness: A Signal, Not a Verdict

Sometimes people are not actually seeking comfort—they are sensing uneasiness in their spirit. They interpret this uneasiness as “lack of peace,” assuming it dictates what is or isn’t God’s will.

The uneasiness should not be ignored, but it must be explored, clarified, and corralled:

• Ask: Is this uneasiness fear, laziness, or preference?

• Ask: Is it conviction from God requiring careful obedience?

• Test it against Scripture, counsel, and opportunity for faith-driven action.

Too many fail to do the will of God because they wait for a feeling of peace that may never come, mistaking discomfort for divine prohibition.

A Better Way to Discern God’s Will

If peace is not the ultimate test, how do we discern God’s direction? Scripture gives us a clearer framework:

1. The Word of God — God will never lead contrary to His revealed truth. His will is always anchored in His Word (Psalm 119:105).

2. Prayerful Submission — Philippians 4:6–7 teaches us to pray, give thanks, and present our requests. Then the peace of God guards our hearts. Peace is the result of surrender, not the basis for delay.

3. Wise Counsel — “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). God often confirms direction through godly advice, not just private impressions.

4. Obedient Faith — When God has spoken clearly, the next step is obedience—even if peace is slow to follow.

Conclusion: Peace as a Companion, Not a Compass

Peace is a valuable gift, but it is not a compass. It is meant to accompany obedience, not to excuse disobedience. When Christians make “peace” the deciding factor, they risk confusing comfort with calling. Obedience often brings uneasiness or discomfort, and sometimes peace in the human sense never comes.

True peace is often discovered on the far side of obedience, not the near side of hesitation.

Let us measure God’s will not by fleeting feelings, but by His Word, counsel, prayer, and faithfulness. True peace follows obedience—not the other way around.