Finding True Peace in Righteousness: A Journey of Justice and Assurance in Isaiah 32:17

Over the past two years, I've faced the challenging battle for justice within the Church. This journey has often felt isolating, as if I were a solitary voice in a vast silence. Isaiah 32:17 tells us, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” But what does it truly mean to pursue peace through righteousness when the very institutions meant to uphold it sometimes prioritize reputation over meaningful change?

This experience has made me contemplate the difference between genuine peace and a false sense of quiet—a thought that deserves our attention as we reflect on Isaiah's profound message.

The Loneliness of Standing Alone for What’s Right

Advocating for justice can often feel like an enormous weight to carry alone. The loneliness is palpable, amplifying doubts about your beliefs. Many people, particularly in the Church, can relate to this feeling. When I raised my voice about important issues, I found that many chose to ignore or dismiss my concerns. My truth felt sidelined.

Yet, in this solitude, I discovered something powerful: while I might have been alone in my advocacy, I was not abandoned at least by God anyway. God’s presence offered me comfort and assurance during the toughest moments. This reminded me of a statistic from a recent study showing that 70% of advocates report feeling isolated in their fight for justice, echoing my own experience.

And let me say this clearly: I know there are some who have supported me—who have stood with me in prayer, spoken a word of encouragement, or simply refused to look away. I am deeply grateful. Your presence, even when quiet, mattered. But the truth remains—there were many moments I stood alone, without an advocate. And it’s in that lonely space that I learned the difference between performative peace and the quiet assurance that only righteousness can produce

The Exhausting Toll of Being the Only Voice in the Room

Being the only one advocating for change in a public way can be exhausting and discouraging. After countless attempts to seek understanding and collaboration, I frequently met resistance.

Even my strengths—my discernment, my conviction, my ability to speak the truth in love—were weaponized against me. And not just by strangers. By unlikely people. People I once believed would be my greatest advocates. But over time, their commitment to ‘the church’—or rather, the institution—proved stronger than their commitment to righteousness. To justice. To me. That revelation broke something in me. But it also birthed something holy: a deeper resolve to pursue the peace that only righteousness produces. The quietness that doesn’t come from silence, but from truth finally being honored.

But Isaiah 32:17 reminds me: the fruit of righteousness is not applause—it’s peace. Quietness. Assurance. Not because I conformed, but because I stood is a common struggle for many advocates. Research shows that nearly 60% of people fighting for justice feel fatigued in their efforts due to lack of support and I know that sense of fatigue very well.

In these tough times, we must remember Isaiah’s promise: our dedication to justice is not in vain. True peace lies ahead, but we must persevere, even amid fatigue, isolation, and daunting challenges.

The Difference Between Quietness That Comes from Coercion vs. Quietness That Follows Justice

We must recognize the distinction between enforced silence and the peace that emerges from justice. False peace often hides unresolved pain beneath a surface calm. It might feel easier to sweep issues under the rug, avoiding uncomfortable dialogues.

However, the peace described in Isaiah 32:17 does not stem from avoidance. Instead, it springs from actively engaging in righteousness, which may unsettle the status quo but ultimately leads to real peace. Consider this: an employee survey revealed that organizations fostering open dialogues about challenges saw a 50% increase in trust among members. This highlights that healthy confrontation can pave the way for genuine harmony.

A Longing for a Day When Righteousness Won’t Cost You So Much to Pursue

What happens when pursuing righteousness comes with a hefty price? Often, our voices feel stifled as we attempt to reveal hard truths. During my advocacy within the Church for more than 20 years, I yearned for a community willing to make sacrifices for true moral living, prioritizing real change over mere appearances.

I often dreamt of a Church that would wholeheartedly embrace the complexities of righteousness—a place where uncomfortable conversations are seen as valuable rather than threatening. Studies indicate that 75% of churchgoers desire stronger engagement in social justice issues, yet many feel discouraged from voicing their concerns. This disconnect suggests a deeper need for a supportive community.

A Prophetic Call for the Church to Choose Righteousness First, Even if It Disrupts Appearances

My experiences represent a greater prophetic call for the Church: to boldly prioritize righteousness over superficial unity. We must focus on authentic justice, moving beyond appearances. This challenge is vital because true righteousness is the foundation of peace. It involves addressing the harsh realities faced by those within our communities.

If we want to see real change, we must not shy away from our convictions. The Church needs reformers—people like you and me—who are willing to pursue justice, advocating for healing, restoration, and genuine peace.

A Declaration of Faith in the Journey Ahead

Looking back on my journey, I can confidently say that my efforts have not been in vain. Through my struggles, I have found a deep peace that guides me even in chaos. True serenity emerges after we confront reality. The peace born from righteousness is a gift I carry forward.

To anyone—women, advocates, survivors, reformers—who reads this, remember, you are not alone. Your quest for justice may feel overwhelming, but know that the promise of Isaiah is for each of us. As we walk this path together, let us commit to righteousness, trusting that true peace will come when we stand together in truth.

Let’s rise together, even when the journey feels daunting. We are called to engage actively in the pursuit of justice and righteousness, which will lead to a lasting assurance. This call necessitates that we tackle the difficult work of righteousness first, but it is undeniably the road toward genuine transformation and healing.