Peace: The fruit of the Spirit (VII)

In a time of turmoil and judgement on Israel, Isaiah speaking to God wrote “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). To “stay” in this context means ‘remain in a specified state or position’ in this case of trust. Faith, trust and peace are closely related, the stronger the faith, the greater the peace. And a strong faith is one that has been tested. In the trauma they felt learning that He was leaving Jesus told the disciples “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). And “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (16:33). But what were some of “these things?”

But first the ‘perfect peace' we are talking here is shalom. Shalom is much more than absence of hostilities, and though it can mean that, we can have shalom even in the midst of war. Shalom can mean completeness, safety, soundness, in body, welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquillity and contentment. Paul could say “ I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). And speaking of the need to learn this, brings us back to what we need to see about all the fruit of Spirit, namely that though it is a gift, we still need to practice to take it into our hearts and experience. I have spoken before of the need I have to work (practice) the passage Philippians 4:4-7, which ends with the promise “And the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” As I “work it,” I often have to repent for not obeying the instructions (i.e. not rejoicing, giving into anxiety, not praying with thanks etc.)!

So what were the things Jesus told the disciples that they may have peace? Firstly as we have already read that though they would have trouble, He has overcome the world. Secondly He knew that they would all desert Him at the moment of trial. This for me is both poignant and hopeful. He knows our weakness, knows that we will fail Him at times, and yet He loves and accepts us just the same, and He forgives us over and over (Matthew 18:22). He also told them (and hence us Matthew 28:20a) that He would send the Holy Spirit to be with us, to teach us, and to bring to remembrance all that He (Jesus) taught us (John 14:26). Also He promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Matthew 28:20b; Hebrews 13:5). On top of all of this He has given us His exceedingly great and precious promises, so that we may be partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Father, thank You for Your promise to keep us in perfect peace when we trust You, and have our minds are stayed on You. It all seems to start in the mind Lord. Thank You that as we choose to trust You, then because You are faithful You always come through for us. It is not always what we want or exactly when we want it, but it is always what we need. And as we continue to choose to trust and to wait, You are building a strong wall of faith. And it becomes easier to trust You, as we practice keeping our minds stayed on You and our eyes on Jesus. And thank You again that You never give up on us, but You just keep right on working in us for Your praise and Glory. We love You Lord in Jesus Name Amen