How often have we found ourselves asking God for peace? What if we were asking for something we already have, and it’s more of a question of what are we doing with it? Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). Perhaps, part of any lack of peace is trying to reason things out by natural understanding. We rely on circumstances to dictate whether or not we have peace. Scripture goes onto say, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). This is a permissive statement. Whose peace is it? God’s! We can either let His peace rule, or we can let fear rule. It’s our choice.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Part of the fruit of the Spirit is peace. Where does Holy Spirit dwell? In you. If He resides in you, so does His peace. In order for that peace rule in our hearts the way the Lord intended, we all must submit to Holy Spirit in all things.
Part of obedience is trust –no matter what! In some ways, we have to grant ourselves permission to walk in peace. It seems as if some adhere to some manmade law pertaining to peace. When everything is hunky-dory, peace rules; however, when circumstances don’t look so good, perhaps abysmal and everything in between, not so much. They have learned to worry during those times. “It’s not normal to have peace in tough times. It just wouldn’t be right!”
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace that surpasses understanding, doesn’t rely on circumstances; it relies on God! When we relinquish control, we enable Him to freely move in our hearts, along with those situations beyond our ability to handle. By submitting to Holy Spirit, and listening to what God has to say about whatever issue we face, we allow peace to rule in our hearts and minds. Keep in mind that peace creates space for God-given creativity and solutions. Of course, by submitting to Holy Spirit, all those things pertaining to the fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 will also manifest.
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
One final thought pertaining to obedience. We all have the choice to obey God or the flesh. If we decide to obey the flesh, do you suppose peace will follow? How many do you know that follow the ways of the flesh have true peace? How many do you know who resist the will of God, find it? These are obviously rhetorical questions. The more you submit to His will and desires, the more peace is allowed to rule. It would be a bit ironic to rebel against God, then ask Him for peace apart from repentance. It doesn’t work very well.
Romans 8:5-6 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.
