What is peace to you? Maybe you thought of a young mom when her babies are finally laid down for the night. Or the quiet after all the house guests have left. Or the sigh of relief when bills are paid and there’s still money in the account.
Each of those are definitely aspects and benefits of peace. And like a prism, peace can be reflected in many ways. It’s a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all it’s varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless” (TPT).
We could spend hours talking about each of these but during this second week of Advent, our focus is peace. And according to these verses, it’s meant to be limitless.
Endless peace?
“Oh, you don’t know my life– that is utterly impossible.” No, I don’t know your life, but I know our God. When He prophesied of our coming Messiah, He called Him “Prince of Peace” and said, “Of His kingdom there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:33). This means, despite your situation, peace is always available because it cannot run out.
Peace, by definition, is the opposite of war and dissension. (I love that, by the way). It also means health, welfare, prosperity, and every kind of good. Peace is a gift that God desires to impart to all His people. And it was first wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger.
Peace describes the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ. This is why it’s possible to have “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). In other words, no matter what you know about a situation or your current emotional state concerning it, you have real access to inner peace “to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” I pray that often over myself and others: “Father, guard their heart from being broken and their mind from being troubled– give them your perfect peace.”
And God answers this prayer because Jesus is our Prince of Peace.
Peace as opposed to war.
Colossians 1:13 says God “has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario. At salvation, you and I were literally saved and set free from the hold Satan had on our lives. But unlike an inmate who’s released to fin for himself in a dark, lonely world, we were instantly transplanted into a kingdom of inner peace, healing, and preservation. “For the kingdom of God [is]… righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
Access to this peace is available to every person who calls on Jesus as Lord. In fact, it’s one characteristic of a believer that easily separates him or her from the world.
When those around you are in turmoil and struggle (war with themselves and others) and they observe the peaceful disposition of your mind, will, and emotions in the midst of similar challenges, it’s a real witness to them.
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, and undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]” (John 16:33).
The only question that remains is HOW? How do you access this peace? The Bible answers this so simply for us: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You…” (Isaiah 26:3).
When you intentionally, and regularly, set your thoughts on Jesus, God promises to fill you with peace that surpasses all understanding, removing you from the middle of all war and dissension. So I pray you would slow down and set your heart and mind on the wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus this Christmas season.
I pray you take these words to heart. The result is inner peace and inner wholeness, despite outside conflicts.
