Peace
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Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 32:17-18, John 14:18-27, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:11-22, Philippians 4:6-7
BY Claire Gibson
When I think about peace, I imagine three different things. First, I think of the wrap-around porch at my favorite bed and breakfast on Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where we like to vacation in the summer. It looks out over a marsh, where pelicans dive for fish and the sun paints the grasses yellow and then green. Second, I think of my friend Andi, a woman who imparts wisdom with every word she speaks, whose calm tone pervades every syllable. And finally, I think of the moment when my body sinks into a hot bath. The knowledge that I can sit undisturbed for 20 or 30 minutes is as soothing as the steam.
But our good God tells us that peace is not about a vacation. It’s not about trying to imitate a soft tone of voice, which while authentic to my friend Andi, would be disingenuous if I put it on for size. And it is not about finding more time for self-care, which brings only temporary relief. He knows that the world outside—and the world inside my own mind—is full of strife. But when Christ came, He promised to give His disciples PEACE, not as a means of escape, but as a means to exist and thrive without fear in the midst of the chaos of our world.
According to the scriptures, peace is one aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, something that God the Great Gardener will grow in our hearts and lives if we entrust ourselves to His care, no matter our circumstances. Peace will look different in different people’s lives. In the same way that hydrangeas bloom in different colors in different places, depending on the pH of the soil, peace will arrive in our hearts, blooming in its own way, in its own time. One thing is certain: if God promises to give it, then we will certainly receive it.
In John 14, Jesus says that peace is something He gives away, freely and without cost—not as the world might try to offer it (John 14:27). In Romans, the apostle Paul encourages believers to remember that “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). And in his letter to the Philippians, he says “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” is able to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6–7).
In the end, our confidence comes not in our own ability to create peace, but in our relationship with the God of the universe who loves us and provides peace in abundance, simply as an act of His great love. Christ is a means of reconciling all people together in unity, no matter the earthly divisions that try to breed hostility between us (Ephesians 2:11–22). God’s peace is not theoretical. It is real. My circumstances might be in total disarray. Vacations and plans might be canceled. Factions might rise up against each other with weapons or words. In the midst of it all, our eternity is settled, our hearts can rest at ease, knowing that God is our peace.
99 thoughts on "Peace"
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Don’t stop at Phil 4:7! Keep reading ladies. Phil 4:8-9 tell you how to get that peace. “And the God of peace shall be with you”. Yes Churchmouse. It is not a fast. It is a lifestyle.
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“If God promises to give it, then we will certainly receive it” – so good! God never breaks his promises, so sometimes we just have to remember to wait patiently for his peace that he promised
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YES, God is my peace! Our peace my dear SRT sisters!
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Wow I love you all!! Even though we haven’t met in person, I feel like we’re talking across from each other. So thankful for this community. Taylor, I’ll be praying for you and for peace to wash over your day! Thankful for your encouragement Churchmouse and Tina…and everyone else’s comments too!
Earlier this semester, I felt very anxious over relationships with guys (I commented on here about it) and finding a spouse. It was an interesting time, because I felt like I was consumed with thoughts of marriage and anxiety over talking to guys. But the Lord helped me, and I’ve begun to realize that my season of singleness is so awesome. I can do so many things that I couldn’t do if I was married, and I know that Lord sees the big picture. Marriage is a beautiful thing, and if the Lord wills, one day that may become a reality. But for now, I’m content just diving deep into God’s Word and being rooted in him. A bigger decision for me is figuring out what to do after I graduate college…THAT definitely causes anxiety for me. But, I have also felt a peace that no matter what I do, even I live at home for bit, God’s got me. He’s in control. Have a great day SRT fam! -
Will be praying for you Taylor. Our Prince of Peace Jesus, He has you. I have been reading Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets. And he speaks of Jesus intercession in many ways, but I love that he also says “Jesus came as the “last Adam” to fix what the first Adam messed up. So Christ came to re-present God on the earth. He became the intercessory or mediator going between and re-presenting God to humanity. . . But, that’s not the only direction of Jesus interceding. Great irony exists in the fact that man “the first Adam who was meant to be God’s intercessor, mediator or representative on earth now needed someone to mediate for him. He who was made to represent God on earth now needed someone to re-present him to God. Christ of course, became that representative, intercessor or mediator. Not only did He re-present God to man, but He also re-presented man to God.” Through His blood and sacrifice we are healed. The peace of God is ours in Jesus. Praying you feel it over all the world is screaming at you this day Sisters, He is Mighty, and best of all He came to give us peace and allows us to dwell there. Lay down what ever you are gripping at the beautiful scarred feet of Jesus, wrap yourself in His light and be still and know. Hugs to all y’all! He is so so good!
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When we lack peace, use that uncomfortablness to remind ourselves where our minds have been hanging out. They haven’t been with Jesus. – -“You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, because in Yah, the Lord , is an everlasting rock!
Isaiah 26:3-4 HCSB
https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.26.3-4.HCSB -
Churchmouse, I too deleted social media and turned off the news. It has made such an impact. Not only do I have peace, I get so much more done, I have real conversations with family members, I enjoy each day so much more. During this crazy time I needed the peace that passes understanding and I won’t go back. Thankful for my SRT sisters. ❤️
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Phil. 4:6,7 is so familiar but it spoke to me today! Once again I must leave my anxious thoughts, concerns and circumstances at His feet and choose to experience the peace He so freely gives. I know I cannot do one thing about my circumstances and my concerns over husband, children and grandchildren but….God!!! Thanks, Claire! I love when I look to see who write the devotion and it is you!!
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