Today I’m wrapping up the Holy Spirit Living series. There is so much to explore in the gifts and fruits of the Spirit – I could write a post every day for a year and barely scratch the surface – but there’s one in particular that is both a gift and a fruit – peace. It’s a tough one because trust does not come easily for me – hard to admit, but even trusting my heavenly Father can be tough at times. If I’m as excited as I am about how good God is but still struggle with trusting Him, perhaps there are others who struggle as well. But if we are to have peace, trust is absolutely required.
Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Proverbs 3:5 TPT
I grew up hearing this verse and even memorized it before I hit the double digits. It sounds good but has anyone else noticed that as we get older, it gets harder and harder to trust? Family, friends, colleagues, and even the church can, and will, let us down. It’s unfortunately the norm. But then it’s even worse when we believe God is not so loving.
I grew up on stories from both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old, God took care of His kiddos in one chapter but as soon as they messed up, they were struck down, swallowed up by the earth, or in captivity. Then Jesus came on the scene in the New Testament and was all about the love… even to those who were not Jews. But Jesus and God the Father were supposed to be One in the same (John 10:30). I believed I was saved by grace through faith, but that it was entirely on me to maintain my position. That doesn’t offer much peace.
I didn’t understand the difference in Covenants. Even today I’m still finding the weeds of works-for-love in the garden of my heart. I’ll think I’ve pulled the weed, but the roots are still there, clutching the soil just out of sight of the surface. No matter how many times I’ve cried out why, God, why? with an accusatory tone, He’s been patient with me. He reassures me that no matter how slow or hard-headed I am, He’ll walk with me at my pace. He’s what I like to call a savage gentleman – a dread champion (Jeremiah 20:11) – and He’s on my side.
The more I recognize this and realize its truth, the more it comforts me. Recognition of this truth is the beginning – the first step of many more.
“But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free, he will teach you all things in my name. And he will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you. I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead, be courageous!” John 14:26-27 TPT
Oof! … fragile peace given by the world… I’ve experienced that kind of peace and it’s no peace at all. But we’re called to live in a reality of peace.
As a mom of five with four at home and the youngest not quite three (say that ten times fast), peace according to the world’s standard is not experienced too often. Even when the kiddos are in bed, there’s still something to get done or set right. Being nap-trapped stalls me from getting some things done in the timeframe I’m after. There is about ten seconds of peace when the laundry hamper is empty, and the dishwasher is running. But is this the peace Jesus was talking about?
What about when someone you love is experiencing pain, heartache, or a bad medical report? What about when it’s you on the receiving end of a bad medical report? What about the times there are unknowns and uncertainty with what the future holds? What about the times that a tough decision is needing to be made? These moments that are meant to rob us of our peace aren’t on the same level as a messy home or a loud toddler.
Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would lead them (us) in all things – not just church matters or the Great Commission. He was talking about the Holy Spirit leading us in all parts of life. All means all. Having trouble in your marriage? Boom! The Holy Spirit is ready to lead and guide you. Children out of control? The Holy Spirit knows how to be the perfect Father and will help you. What about the five and ten-year plan that just fell apart? The One on our side isn’t limited by time and He’s already been through all the years mankind will ever have – trust Him.
As a Christian, our normal mode of operation should be that of peace because we have the Holy Spirit.
“A thief has only one thing in mind – he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow!” John 10:10 TPT
We can never have abundant life if we aren’t operating in and through an environment of peace.
The word peace in John 14:26-27 is translated from the Greek word eirene (Strong’s G1515). In this particular instance, Jesus is giving His gift of peace to us. But this is a different peace than what we read about in Romans 5:1 (peace and reconciliation with God). This peace means rest, quietness, health, welfare, prosperity, every kind of good, and of blessing. Yes, we have peace with God, we’ve been reconciled to God, but He didn’t stop with that. He gives everything in abundance, more than we can expect until we overflow – we also have peace for our time in this world.
I’m sure there’s someone still looking at the carcass of their five-year plan, their adult child is facing hardship or has left a relationship with God entirely, there’s a medical report that is ready to paralyze with fear, or they’re drowning in laundry and feeling so very insignificant. Steal. Slaughter. Destroy. The pity party might sound reasonable, but it opens the door for the enemy to steal more, slaughter without mercy, and destroy before we can change our mind.
I want peace. I bet you want peace. But it’s something we have to choose.
Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Philippians 4:6-8 TPT
Five-year plan in tatters? Trust that God’s plan for you is for your good (Genesis 37-50:21). Your adult child is facing hardship or has walked away from their relationship with God? My heavenly Father specializes in pursuing and welcoming His kiddos home (Luke 15). What disease, sickness, disability, mental incapacitation or medical report is greater or more powerful than the One who knew us before we were even formed in the womb (Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1:5)? Contrary to popular belief, the Bible reveals that Jesus healed all who came to Him. And even if you feel alone, small, or insignificant, God sees you and acknowledges the weight of your sacrifice (Mark 12:41-44).
God’s peace will become your norm when you’re in relationship with Him. Don’t hold back in telling Him the details of your life. I need this reminder to choose to trust Him, and I bet there’s someone else out there who needs it, too. When we choose relationship with God, we’re opening ourselves to receiving the everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow. It’s His pleasure to give it – now receive it.