Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

^“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

Life is HARD!

Life is messy, busy, complicated and hard! In a faith that says serve God and not money we are thrown into a world that says money is the most important thing about you. Even if you don’t want to care about how much money you make we still live in a world where bills have to be paid, mortgage has to be done, savings have to be built up, food has to be bought, fun needs to be had, and the children are always asking for more more more. We have to balance working, children, spouses, friends, hobbies, and time to rest. It’s hard and if we’re not careful can spend more time worrying about how we are doing and what needs to be done then enjoying the blessings God has given us.

If we are caught up worrying and frustrated all the time the relationships around us will suffer. Those around us will feel like they are constantly walking on egg shells. They may start to question the circumstances of our love being conditional rather than unconditional. Tension will be building. Life is hard, but luckily we can have peace.

A Gift of Peace?

As Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before He was arrested and His trial which would ultimately lead to His death by crucifixion He taught His disciples one last time. One of the things He promised to His disciples and ultimately to us was the Holy Spirit. In this Holy Spirit they (we) would receive peace.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

Jesus gave us all peace as He left us. How does that peace affect us though and is it really there?

Under Protection, Under Care

As Jesus spoke during the Sermon on the Mountain He talks about not worrying about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough worries, today’s troubles are enough to take care of. He talks about God’s loving hand of protection and comfort taking care of the birds of the air. The birds always have food to eat and yet they do not plant or store up food, every day their food is provided. He talks about the flowers of the field how beautiful they are clothed. He does this to point out one thing to those listening, you are more valuable. You are more valuable than the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, so if God cares enough to give them food and provide clothing for them don’t you think He cares even more about you. We don’t have to get caught up because God is with us and He is for us and He will take care of us no matter what where we go.

Peace that Last

As we rethink our peace we can walk away with a couple lasting thoughts.

1. Peace comes from being God-centered. As we concentrate on what truly matters in life (living for Christ and leading others to Him) the rest of the distractions fade to static.
2. Our Father will ALWAYS take care of us. It may not be what we think, we may not win the lotto, we may struggle, but He is faithful and will lead us through the fires.
3. Trusting in God and His plan leads to peaceful living. Peaceful living breeds continuity in families where they can more freely be themselves and love each other.

As we continue to give our worries to God, He will not disappoint. The more we put ourselves out there and are filled (by Him) the more naturally it will become to us. We will seek God first and be joyful knowing that He has and will provide for us. That will free us up to a peaceful life not necessarily without barriers but spiritually and emotionally being free.