But the fruit of the Spirit is…peace…. Galatians 5:22
Most people want peace, so why is it so rare? it seems as if conflict rages everywhere…on a global scale between countries; on a national scale between factions; on a family or individual scale between people; and sometimes in our own lives, when we’re torn about what to do or believe.
But Paul writes “the fruit of the Spirit is…peace.” So, if it’s a mark of a believer, it must be attainable. Imagine someone saying, “Billy is a cranky, crabby, short-tempered guy…but he sure has the peace of Christ!” That sounds ridiculous, but what are some practical ways to experience this peace in a world of tension?
- Realize peace comes from God, not from us, a product, a financial standing, a political movement, or a person. At the Last Supper Jesus told His disciples: “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.”
- Understand you have to do something to receive it. It doesn’t just come from reading a Bible passage or intellectually agreeing with something. We don’t receive peace by passive osmosis. Colossians 3:15 tells us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” The words “let” and “rule” imply we must choose to make peace a priority and the organizing principle of our lives. Also, practicing gratitude is a pathway to peace as surely as envy is a pathway to strife.
- Reduce the negatives in your life. Are there people, voices, or places in your life that steal your peace and give you anxiety? Try to set some healthy boundaries and reduce your exposure to them and their hold over you. One man explained that election season gave him anxiety so he found relief by turning off the news and social media.
- Guard your mind, especially at night. For many people, staying busy during the day gives them something to focus on but at night their mind races, filling them with fear and insomnia. Instead of trying vainly to drive out the negative thoughts, try to replace them with positive material. Some people, when they can’t sleep, they repeat the Lord’s Prayer, or a favorite hymn or praise song, or Ps. 127:2, “he gives sleep to those he loves” (ISV).
In sum, the Bible’s recipe for peace is: rejoice in God, pray about everything, worry about nothing.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:4-7).
S.D.G./S.G.D.