“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace ..”
(Galatians 5:22)
Reflection:
In worldly terms peace is generally understood as an absence of something – such as hostilities or need. In God’s eyes peace is something that He gives independently of a worldly context.
First and foremost peace describes our new relationship with God. Sin and death have been overthrown and we have been welcomed home as the daughters and sons of God. There is a wonderful love, joy and peace now in our relationship with God. And because this peace flows from Him it cannot be contaminated by the world. Whatever the world throws at us we can trust God to bring us through, and so rest in His peace even in the midst of the storms of life.
Jesus said to His disciples,
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Paul went on to write,
- “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Nothing is greater than God’s love for us, nothing is greater than the power of God, and God is in absolute control of every single moment and every single aspect of our lives.
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
- “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
As a child in pain finds comfort, rest and reassurance in the arms of its mother so too we find our peace in the ‘arms of the Lord’ for that is where we belong.
- “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3)
- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Response:
God is with me – and always will be
Prayer:
Father please forgive me for my lack of peace when my word wobbles. Help me to trust You at all times and to know that You will see me through the storms of life. Please bless me with the peace that comes from Your great love for me and Your absolute power and authority. Amen.
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The Soaring Eagle 