Peace

• Once again, we encounter startling words written by the Apostle Paul from that Roman prison cell. After speaking of joy and rejoicing despite suffering and trials, he makes a stunning statement about another fruit of the Spirit: peace.

• He tells the Philippian church, and us, to not be anxious about anything. Instead of worrying, he tells us to bring those cares to the Lord in prayer, with thanksgiving. In return, God will give us peace even in the midst of terrible hardship and suffering.

• This peace that comes from the Lord through his Spirit within us passes all understanding. We know this peace when we see it. It enables people to be at peace in the most terrible circumstances imaginable.

• The peace of God surpasses all understanding indeed, and it can only come from within through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a mystery to the world, yet to the believer in Christ, it makes perfect sense.

• We have been given all we need through our faith in Jesus and his work on the cross. We have life everlasting through him, and his Spirit at work within us gives us peace despite the circumstances around us. Like joy, we experience peace regardless of the trials we face because it comes from within.

• Isaiah tells us, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) God will keep us in his perfect peace when we fix our mind on him, trusting him who is utterly trustworthy. That peace is a fruit of the Spirit at work within us!