Embracing the Peace of God

Read Scripture: Galatians 5:22, John 14:27, Philippians 4:4-7, Romans 8:6

Peace is a fruit of the Spirit that we all long to see in our lives (Galatians 5:22). We want to experience peace when we make big decisions, when life changes, when we experience loss or hardship, or when we feel like we are bearing more than we can carry. I have prayed for God’s peace in many seasons of my life, but I have often struggled to really know how to rely on God’s peace when it isn’t just a feeling I'm chasing. 

Scripture teaches us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In John 14:27, He says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” These words are powerful - they hold a big and deep promise for us.

Sometimes, we don’t feel peace, but God’s promises don’t shift with our feelings and emotions. In a moment of worry or anxiety, it can be difficult to know how to respond. Philippians 4:4-7 is an encouragement to us today: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Trying not to worry about anything in our own wisdom and strength won't get us anywhere. Anxiety and worry flood our hearts, minds, and bodies when we are not deeply connected to the Vine as the branches (John 15:5). This Scripture from Philippians gives clear instruction: rejoice in Jesus and the great truth of the gospel, thank Jesus for who He is and all that He has done, and cry out to Jesus for help.

Being sincerely honest: I started writing this blog because I’ve been learning to lean into the peace of God in my own life. My husband and I have gone through some big life changes lately, and with that has come anxiety and pressure. You’re not alone in the temptation to let worry win over your mind—we are in the battle together. God doesn’t promise that we won’t ever be tempted to worry, or that we won’t face hard things that cause anxiety. There are dark, lonely nights when our worries keep us awake, when we can’t seem to shake it off. Maybe you’ve experienced anxiety and worry caused by really hard things, or maybe sometimes you are anxious and you can’t pinpoint the reason why. 

Sometimes it’s in difficult seasons, when we are battling the hardest, that we learn more about who Jesus is and the deep peace that He has to offer us.   

Paul wasn’t writing this letter to the church of Philippi in a simple, quiet, happy season of life. Paul was in prison, and he was all too familiar with suffering. Paul had peace in the truth of the gospel, and it went far beyond his immediate circumstances.

When Jesus promised to give His disciples peace in John 14:27, He didn’t mean He was giving them a quiet and easy life on this earth. Read the book of Acts and you’ll see how difficult the lives of the disciples were. Jesus was preparing them for hardships beyond what they could imagine. 

Jesus promises that when we fix our minds and our hearts on Him and the truths of the gospel, we remember that His promises are greater than any difficulty we might face. It’s not about avoiding and shoving away the feelings of anxiety, it’s about how we respond when the temptations come. 

Rejoice in Jesus and the great truth of the gospel—you are a redeemed child of God.

Thank Jesus for who He is and all that He has done. 

Cry out to Jesus for help, because we desperately need Him.

Let’s get practical and ask ourselves some real questions. 

What do you turn to when you are worried and anxious? Do you try to shove these feelings away, or face them? 

Who do you turn to for support, for help, for wise counsel? 

Do you submit your thoughts to God in prayer, and let His Word remind you of the truth?

Do you sit in your anxiety and worry for too long, or are you actively pursuing the peace of God?

Is your mindset of the flesh, or of the Spirit?    

I have a good friend who calls these moments “check engine lights”. I don’t know what your life looks like or what you’ve gone through, but I do know that the Word of God is true and He knows exactly where your heart is. It’s time to stop, reflect, and find more freedom, one step at a time. Jesus has been with you through everything, and He is offering His peace that surpasses understanding. If God’s Word really is true like we claim to believe, then let’s put this Scripture into practice and rejoice. Our greatest comfort is in nearness to the Lord. <3  

“Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.” 

Romans 8:6

An important reminder: we are not on this journey alone. God didn't create us to live life alone - community is one of our greatest gifts. If you need a friend, find someone to talk to. If you need help taking a step forward in growth, don't hesitate.