Meditations on Peace
A fruit of the Holy Spirit
Have you ever considered how peace is one of our most rich and abundant feelings? I truly believe we were designed for it, but all too often, we don't really rest in peace, and I want to share the reason why that is. I think it is because we do not look in the right places for it.
After a season of a sort of “unrest,” I have settled into a newfound peace that comes only from the Lord. I'm sure you're thinking, “Well, if you know so much about peace, why have you just experienced this season without peace?!” Well, because I, too, momentarily struggled to grab hold of where my peace comes from, Jesus!
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Many things can rob us of peace, but the ones I have found to be most prevalent are worry, fear, shame, regret, and busyness. The crux of my lack of peace was fear. You see, something happened that shook me to the core of my being, and when that happened, the enemy saw an opportunity to derail me and stepped in to double down. The fear I felt tempted me to take my eyes off Jesus. All I could do was focus on what was happening instead of redirecting my attention to the only One who could really bring me peace.
Thankfully, I had a community of people around me who continually pointed me to Him. They joined me to pray, encouraged me with scripture, and reminded me that nothing is too great for our God to overcome.
Romans 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
If you’ve ever struggled with a lack of peace or found yourself obsessing over a circumstance that feels too much, I encourage you to see them for what they are: things we have made greater than God. You may feel alone and afraid, but God never forsakes us in these moments; it’s usually us who leave Him because we think we are in control. We forget He is the Prince of Peace. When we place our full hope and trust in Him, we will experience a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Want to go deeper on Peace? Check out this post.