Peace is the third Fruit of the Spirit and the one we look at in this post as we continue our series. Peace seems illusive in our society, personally, even in the church. So, is it possible to find it in this world? It sure doesn’t feel like it. My stomach is often in knots and I should have a Ph.D. in worry. However, if it is one of the fruits of the Spirit, it must be within our reach.
Peace Defined:
peace /pēs/
noun
- The absence of war or other hostilities.
- An agreement or a treaty to end hostilities.”negotiated the peace.”
- Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations.”roommates living in peace with each other.”
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition • More at Wordnik
Does the above definition describe the peace that Paul is referring to in the Fruit of the Spirit list?
Obviously, Paul was not talking about the absence of wars. Certainly, there were wars and hostilities throughout the Old and New Testament. Moreover, Paul was not even talking about freedom from quarrels and disagreements. A cursory read of Paul’s letters tell us that he had disagreements with many of the churches of his day. Unquestionably, there were disagreements within the churches.
No, Paul is talking about something much more personal and lasting. A peace within. Something we have despite all the ‘unpeaceful’ activity that surrounds us daily. The peace Jesus talked about:
“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 NIV).
“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 NIV).
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME BIBLCIAL CHARACTERS THAT UNDERSTOOD PEACE
GOD’S WAY
Daniel’s Peace
Daniel was living in exile in Babylon after Israel and Judah were conquered. He was taken as a teen, but even at this young age he convinced his captors to allow him to continue to eat kosher so he could obey and honor his God. He continued to live a righteous life in this foreign land and rose to a high position. Then King Darius passes a law impossible for Daniel to obey. He was ordered to worship the king and not pray to any other. Anyone who disobeyed would be thrown into the lion’s den. The Bible tells us:
“Even though Daniel knew that the new law had been written, he went to pray in an upstairs room in his house, which had windows that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times each day Daniel would kneel down to pray and thank God, just as he always had done” (Daniel 6: 10 NCV).
Darius liked and respected Daniel. Therefore, it was with great reluctance that he sentenced Daniel to the lion’s den. The next morning Darius ran to the den to see, if by any chance, Daniel’s God had saved him. And the Bible tells us:
“…So, they lifted him out and did not find any injury on him, because Daniel had trusted in his God” (Daniel 6:23b NCV).
Elizabeth’s Peace
“Zechariah and Elizabeth truly did what God said was good. They did everything the Lord commanded and were without fault in keeping His law. But they had no children, because Elizabeth could not have a baby, and both of them were very old” (Luke 1:6-7 NCV).
God answered Elizabeth’s prayers and she was expecting in her old age. When Mary found out she was expecting the Messiah, she went to visit Elizabeth, who was a relative. Now Elizabeth might have been jealous that she was not expecting the Messiah. After all, she was more mature and better prepared for such an honor. However, her reaction upon seeing Elizabeth was one of graciousness and she said to Mary:
“You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen” (Luke 1:45 NCV).
And when Elizabeth gave birth to her son, everyone thought he would be named after his father. However, Elizabeth said his name was John. This was in obedience to God.
One word that describes how Daniel and Elizabeth had peace in their lives: TRUST.
- They trusted God was in control. Elizabeth accepted that God knew who was best to give birth to the Messiah and Daniel worked hard and remained faithful where he was – in Babylon and not Israel. Despite their lives being difficult, they trusted God’s sovereignty.
- They trusted God with their reputations and lived honorably despite their struggles. Some may have scoffed, but Daniel ate kosher and Elizabeth lived her faith despite the disgrace of being barren.
- They trusted God’s laws and were obedient. Elizabeth’s prayers went unanswered for a child for many years, but Elizabeth lived righteously, obediently honoring God. And when she did have a child, she obediently named him John. And then there was Daniel who continued to pray as God commands us, even when his life was at risk.
So, how do we attain peace within?
As Jesus said in the verse above, we will find peace by knowing He is different from our culture and has overcome the world. Take heart, Jesus says. In other words trust Him to bring the peace of Daniel and Elizabeth into your heart. Not a life without trouble or crying, but a life with a peace that passes all understanding. (Ref Philippians 4:7)
In the end, this life is a breath and true peace is found in eternity. Trust that God knows what He is doing and put your faith in the afterlife with Jesus. Peace comes from knowing this life is not the end, but really the very beginning of something great and wonderful.
RESOURCES AND COMMENTS
For more information on peace check out this article: What does the Bible say about peace? Or check out this devotion on developing an eternal perspective.
As always, comments are welcome in the comment section below. Do you agree that trust is the way to peace with God? Any other thoughts on attaining inner peace?
Simply amazing!