Peace

Isaiah 32:17 TPT The work of righteousness is peace, and the result of righteousness is quietness and confidence forever.

Most people desire one thing more than anything else: inner peace. Peace often seems elusive and, at times, is easier to identify by its absence. We live in a world that is spiraling out of control, where evil seems to multiply, the love of many has grown icy cold, and a deep-seated hatred of both Israel and Christianity makes daily headlines. A quick search of Amazon produces over 10,000 book titles about inner peace. Evidence of the overwhelming desire for peace.

Scripture primarily describes three types of peace: spiritual peace, which is peace between God and man; inner peace, which is peace within one's heart, soul, and mind; and relational peace, which is peace between nations or individuals. When sin came into the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, all three types of peace were broken. Sin brought separation between God and man, removing spiritual peace. Isaiah 59:2 “Your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Sin blocked inner peace. 1 John 2:11 “But anyone who hates another is in the darkness and walks in darkness. They do not know where they are going because the darkness has blinded them.” Sin removed relational peace. Genesis 3:15 “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring.”

But praise be to God, Jesus came to redeem our lives and restore everything that sin had stolen, and that includes peace. Jesus promised, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give” (John 14:27). Paul describes this peace of God as “exceeding anything we can understand, guarding our hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:7). It is a peace that restores relationships, eliminates the anxiety and fear of a performance-based life,  removes fear of the future, equips us for every good work (Hebrews 13:20-21), and determines the course of our lives (Proverbs 4:23).

God’s peace comes through the Holy Spirit, it is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The peace of the Holy Spirit brings well-being, contentment, and wholeness, despite what situation may be swirling about you. The peace that we have been given through the Holy Spirit is never dependent on circumstances. Jesus was awakened by frantic disciples, who were filled with fear during a storm. Jesus called out, “Peace, be still! And the wind ceased; there was great calm.” (Mark 4:39). But like the other fruit of the Holy Spirit, we cannot produce spiritual peace on our own. We can, however, ask the Spirit today to work in our hearts to grow the fruit of peace that allows for “quietness and confidence forever.”

Peace is a defining characteristic of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. Peace delivers a message to all those around you that God is in control and that you will not be controlled by fear of the circumstances or fear of the future. How do we get God’s gift of peace? The requirement is no different than any other aspect of Christ-centered living…surrender. Surrendering our lives, hopes, dreams, and destiny to a God who orders our steps and whose plans for us are always for good (Jeremiah 27:11). Psalm 37:37 assures us, “A wonderful future awaits those who love peace.” Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and then rest in God’s gift of peace.

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Romans 8:6 NIV The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Numbers 6:24-26 NLT May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

Isaiah 26:2-4 NLT Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:7-8 NLT But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

John 16:33 TPT And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

John 14:26-27 NLT But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Colossians 3:14-15 NLT Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Isaiah 9:6 NLT For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Psalms 119:165 NLT Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.

Isaiah 54:10 TPT Even if the mountains were to crumble and the hills disappear, my heart of steadfast, faithful love will never leave you, and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken, says Yahweh, whose love and compassion will never give up on you.

Romans 14:17 NLT For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Jude 1:2 NIV Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.