Hakuna Matata and the Peace of Christ

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NRSV)

Driving back from New Hampshire with our granddaughters, the car was filled with chatter, questions (Are we there yet?), snacks, and Disney tunes. When Hakuna Matata from The Lion King came on, its carefree chorus caught my attention.

The song celebrates a whimsical promise: no worries, no stress, just a “problem-free philosophy.” It’s catchy and comforting—a lighthearted anthem of ease. But as I listened, I began to see it through a theological lens. It made me think about what Scripture says about peace that lasts—not just for the rest of our days, but for the depth of our souls.

Jesus never promised a life free of trouble. In fact, He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The peace He offers isn’t escapism—it’s presence. It’s not a denial of hardship, but a divine companionship through it.

The world’s peace often depends on circumstances: when things go well, we feel calm. But Christ’s peace is different. It’s rooted not in what’s happening around us, but in who is walking beside us. It’s the assurance that even in the storm, we are not alone.

Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not worry about anything… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This peace doesn’t erase our problems—it reframes them. It guards us, steadies us, and reminds us that we are held.

And it is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter Jesus promised in John 14, who makes this peace real and present in our lives—guiding, sustaining, and sanctifying us.

So, what does it mean to live with Christ’s peace in a world full of worries?

• It means naming our fears honestly but not letting them define us.

• It means trusting that God is already present in the places we dread.

• It means choosing prayer over panic, and presence over performance.

• It means teaching our children and grandchildren that faith isn’t a “problem-free philosophy,” but a promise-filled journey.

• It means allowing grace to shape our responses, knowing that peace is part of the Spirit’s sanctifying work—transforming us not into people without problems, but into people perfected in love.

We may not be able to sing Hakuna Matata with full confidence—but we can sing It Is Well with My Soul with deep conviction.

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul!

Prince of Peace, in a world that promises escape, you offer presence. In the midst of our worries, you whisper, “Do not be afraid.” Teach us to trust—not in a life without problems, but in a Savior who walks with us through them. Send your Spirit to guard our hearts, to sanctify our fears, and to fill our homes with hope. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim

Disney’s Hakuna Matata is referenced for cultural commentary. No lyrics are quoted directly. For educational use only.

SacredLyrics.com. (n.d.). It Is Well with My Soul. Retrieved August 8, 2025, from https://sacredlyrics.com/it-is-well-with-my-soul/