The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

The Fruit of the Spirit:  Peace

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe 

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

In previous articles, we have confessed that God is loving, full of agape for His creation and that He is joyful. In our spirits, we have heard joy resounding throughout the heavens, into the universe and into our hearts.  As God is transforming us into the image of His son, He is teaching us to walk in His attributes, in the fruit of the Spirit.

In God, in His agape love, we find no turmoil, frustration, anxiety or fear.  Through the Holy Spirit abiding in believers, we can walk in His peace.  Just hours before He faced the agony of the cross, Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 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 14:26-27 NKJV).

We often foolishly look for peace in the ways of the world.  We think if we were just richer, more attractive, more popular, more medicated, more romantic, more in control, we would have peace.  We need only watch the evening news to learn that none of these brings peace to our souls.  In its own way, each may bring sensual pleasure or oblivion, but none brings the peace our hearts cry out for. 

What is Jesus’ peace?  He told us, “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.” Peace comes in the absence of fear.  Peace comes when we walk by faith. 

Are we concerned about provision, about having enough to meet the needs of our families?  Paul wrote, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV).  A word of warning:  we must be cautious about confusing our “wants” with our “needs.”

When worry and anxiety seem to overwhelm us, we can trust in His word. “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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:6-9 NKJV).

When negative thoughts assault our joy, the word of God directs us to change those thoughts. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” Colossians 3:2 (NKJV).   Just as happiness is a choice, so are positive thoughts.

At a time when weariness and despair gripped my pre-Christian life, the following passage brought me to the Lord. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV).  In His love, I have found His peace.

"Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace"
Words: Warren D. Cor­nell, 1889, alt.
Music: W. George Coo­per, 1889

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Refrain:
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!

And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be:

Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime!