Peace is the third of the nine traits describing the fruit of the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul invoked two qualities that appealed to Gentile and Jewish readers (respectively) when he opened each of his letters with some variation of the greeting, “Grace and peace to you.” But how are we, today, to understand peace?
What It Is
It’s a steadfast mind (Isaiah 26:3). Abiding in His presence brings freedom and serenity on the inside, regardless of what’s happening on the outside.
We are reassured by the words of Isaiah,
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
What It’s Not
A careful reading of our Write the Word verses also prompts some thoughts on what peace is NOT.
Jesus shared in John 16:33,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
From His words, we can conclude that trouble is the opposite of peace. We know that to be true. Today’s trouble may be an alarm that didn’t go off, an overdue bill, a rebellious child, or a malignancy. It may be practical, financial, relational, or medical. But we can wholeheartedly agree that trouble is never peaceful.
Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 14:33,
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…
Though the context here is speaking and interpretatiing tongues in worship, every woman I know would absolutely agree that disorder in our homes robs us of our peace.
How to Get It
Salvation ushers in eternal peace. Our sin puts us at war with God; faith in Jesus brings us peace:
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…
Romans 5:1
To know Jesus is to know peace. When there is no Jesus, there is no real peace.
Even after salvation, we must continue seeking after Jesus if we desire peace in all things. We may get distracted by life’s challenges. We may look for temporary escape by chasing after new shoes, a nice vacation, or a box of chocolate – but none of it brings the peace our hearts crave. Paul told us it wouldn’t:
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,
but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…
Romans 14:17
When life happens, when you are blindsided by trouble or disorder, look to Paul’s recipe for peace:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
I like to call this the “trade up” verse: we give Him the anxiety and the worry, and in exchange we get His peace. When you trade with God, you always trade up!
From a human perspective, this peace makes no logical sense. It’s something the world cannot manufacture and cannot even understand. It comes only from Him. And when God blesses us with His peace, it becomes our own personal spiritual “force field’ to stand guard over our hearts and our minds, where we are most vulnerable to fear and anxiety.
Are your circumstances today anything but peaceful? Do you long for peace in your home, your life, and your heart? Will you take time – make time – to draw near to Jesus, your Prince of Peace? 
Our identity in Christ makes us a new creation, no longer defined by our old ways. We invite you to listen to this week’s teaching video, as Laura shares what it means to live as an ambassador for Christ, compelled/constrained/controlled by His love.
We hope you’ll join us for the second half of October, as we read, write, and meditate on the fruit of the Spirit. Visit our Downloads page today for your copy of our free Write the WORD bookmark (and optional S.O.A.P. study pages).
