Grace Notes:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things
there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
Grace Perspective:
In this passage, peace means “the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot.” [i] Once we receive the grace of salvation, we have peace with God. We don’t have to fear punishment for our sin because Christ Jesus paid the price to redeem us, securing a “peace treaty” that can never be broken.
This gracious peace secures our hearts and minds, even when chaos is swirling around us. It’s a deep sense of trust in God, a knowing that even when times are hard, God is in control. It’s a peace that calms a racing heart and helps us focus on who Christ is. It helps us hold fast to the truth that in Him we have
“the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:7 ESV)
A Touch of Grace:
What does peace with God mean?
How does peace with God affect your life?
Grace Application:
A peace that passes all understanding…who wouldn’t like this kind of peace?! Peace isn’t the absence of trials, but a serenity so deep that our hearts are convinced God is good and in control of everything, especially when life is hard.
We don’t see much of this kind of peace in the world around us. Strife, disunity, and disorder seem to be everywhere. Fear stalks us around every corner, whispering that sickness, financial strain, failed relationships… are just a step away. But God. The Lord doesn’t want us to live in a constant state of anxiety. Do we have troubles? Absolutely; Jesus warned us,
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect]
peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering,
but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy];
I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished,
My victory abiding.] (John 16:33 AMP)
Trouble will come our way; it just will. However, we can choose how it affects us. We can fight against problems or lean into them and trust the Lord to give us the strength to endure. If we choose to fight against troubles, the pain is often prolonged, and anxiety escalates, consuming our minds and hearts with the “what ifs” and other thoughts that take our focus off Christ.
However, when we choose to walk closely with Christ through storms, we find peace as He shelters us with the truth of Scripture. Jesus tells us,
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.
Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
(John 14:27 ESV)
May the gracious fruit of peace guard your hearts and minds, confident that Christ Jesus has overcome the world, and in Him you have perfect peace.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for the peace that passes all understanding. Please guard my mind with Your truth, especially when trouble comes. Remind me that You have given me Your peace, and in You, my salvation is secure. May the gracious fruit of peace point others toward You. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so He can erase them. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**
[i] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1515/esv/mgnt/0-1/