One of the strongest human desires is for peace, whether it be peace in our families, peace with our neighbors, peace with our co-workers, peace between nations, or even peace within our own minds. There are many situations in our life and in the world that make us feel we have no peace. At times our life seems to be a rocky place making us feel anxious, frustrated, and living in chaos. This is when we take a moment and be still. It is when we reflect on God and who he is. As we focus on the peace offered by the fruit of his Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV), the Holy Spirit is with us and the overwhelming peace of God is in us.

True peace through God is an inner calm that removes the anxiety, worry, and guilt of a soul in turmoil. It does not free us from strife or conflict in our life, rather, it gives us the freedom from being overcome or distraught from it. It cannot be attained physically or by our own merits. It is when we turn our life over to God that his Spirit gives us peace in our soul.

Praise

Praise God that the spiritual trait of peace is a result of being justified by faith. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, ESV)

Examine the Scriptures

When do we begin to live in the peace of God?

When we develop a lifestyle of making the Lord our refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, ESV).

How do we experience God’s peace?

God will securely keep us in his perfect peace when our mind stays firmly established on him. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)

How will we feel with God’s peace?

That we have been restored. “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12, ESV)

Pray

Holy Father,

The foundation of our peace is through Christ and for all he has done and continues to do for us. We give praise and glorify your name that the fruit of your Spirit includes a peace that goes beyond salvation.

We pray for your peace in our bodies, minds, and souls. Please heal us physically and mentally, replacing what causes us stress, grief, and sorrow with your perfect peace. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to follow and trust in you.

In the holy name of Jesus,

Amen.