A Child’s Peace

Years ago, a ship was caught in a violent storm. Everyone on board was filled with fear. The captain had his young son with him on the ship. In the middle of all the panic, someone noticed how calm the boy was. While the others were frightened, he sat quietly playing with his wooden toy. So the man went over to him and asked, “Son, how can you be so calm in this storm? Aren’t you afraid of what might happen?”

The boy looked at him with the calm confidence only a child can have and said, “Sir, I have been on this deck before, and I know we are going to be just fine. My father is at the wheel.”

This boy’s trust in his father reflects the kind of trust we are called to have in our Heavenly Father. In life, we all face storms, trials, fears, and uncertainties that can seem overwhelming. Yet like that boy on the ship, we can remain at peace because we know that our Father is in control. God is at the wheel of our lives.

Did you know that the Armenian word for peace, Khaghaghoutiun [Խաղաղութիւն], comes from the root word khaghal [խաղալ] meaning “to play.” Isn’t that amazing? Peace, at its very core, is tied to this idea of pure, childlike playfulness.

Children are able to play freely because they feel safe. They trust that their parents are near, watching over them and protecting them. That sense of security allows them to give themselves fully to the joy of the moment, without being troubled by by yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s fears.

That is why the Lord Jesus says, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). He is not calling us to be childish, but to become childlike: to trust our loving and faithful Father, who watches over us at every moment.

That’s real peace! It’s not about having a problem-free life. It’s about knowing that no matter what comes your way, you’re resting in the arms of a God who cares for you more than you could ever imagine. When you hold on to that truth, you’ll discover the deep, unshakable peace that only He can give.