Day 4

Peace

from the The Fruit of the Spirit reading plan


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.

Post Comments (99)

99 thoughts on "Peace"

  1. Emily Dickerson says:

    I feel like I could just sit in peace for awhile. Teaching right now is HARD and I feel as though I haven’t felt peace since before school started. I needed this today, and this study. I need my heart and mind redirected to the Prince of Peace. My prayer is to find peace in my circumstances and to find rest in the Heavenly Father. The true giver if peace.

  2. Audrey Brooks says:

    Praying for this community as we read God’s Truth Together- May we feel his peace not our created peace but His peacefulness as we walk through each day this week.

  3. Cassidy Lilly says:

    The world gives us peace to escape. Christ gives us peace to exist. Such a profound statement. I am currently going through a miscarriage and am really struggling with peace right now. But, reading these scriptures encouraged me so much. I read them over and over and will continue to do so over the next couple weeks. Thank you!

  4. Pam K says:

    Praying for Traci G – for your son, and Meredith A today. I have been studying Matthew this fall and have been reminded of the Lord’s great compassion for us as we face challenges or doubt. He offers for us to come to him – when we are weary or burdened, and He will give us rest. To me, that is also an offer of His peace.

  5. Amber Sapp says:

    I pray for a peace that surpasses all understanding, one that only God and the Holy Spirit can give us

  6. Pamela Chapman says:

    Dorothy, I was so grateful to see your post. You have been on my heart. I have missed you. I am sorry your family gatherings are canceled. Ours are as well. My mom will by herself. I’m praying the Lord will just wrap us all in His love & hold us tight in His peace.

  7. Caroline Barrett says:

    Hi all. Peace has been something that I have been struggling to cultivate during these last few months. I see splashes of peace in my life, but I am struggling to bring it to the forefront of every moment of everyday. Thursdays reading helped me to slow down and remember that through my relationship with God, I can bring peace to the forefront of my thoughts. I will continue to reflect on these words of peace and try to bring peace into my life amidst these messy times.

  8. Lauren Haykus says:

    With all the anxiety that goes with 2020, I am so grateful for my quiet time with God. It helps me gather myself and stay calm knowing God has me. Come rest at my feet!!! Thank you father. Amen

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