“We are lovers, not fighters!” has frequently been heard in our home throughout the years. We seek peace, not conflict. Even our dog gets upset and doesn’t know how to act if voices get raised and emotions get high! The Bible talks about three kinds of peace: Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual. Our family seeks peace with others (relational peace) which ties directly with emotional peace (peace within ourselves), but how does one obtain the Spiritual peace mentioned in the Bible?
In John 14:27, Jesus is speaking and says “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Before this text, He says that He will give those who believe in His name the Holy Spirit to help direct and guide them. Without the Holy Spirit’s help, peace would seem impossible. Just look at the state of the world in which we live: wars, fighting, chaos and conflict everywhere! But God tells us to not be fearful! He has provided the perfect way to peace. If we will just allow Jesus in our lives, God tells us in Philippians 4:7 “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.”
Jesus has provided the answer to how we can have spiritual or inner peace. This Advent Season, let’s focus on acting upon Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is focused on you because he trusts in you.” When we spend time regularly with God via reading the Bible, praying, gathering with other believers, singing praise songs, etc, our hearts and minds will be protected and focused on Jesus and peace will naturally ensue.
Jesus, thank you for placing inside us a desire for peace. Thank you more for making a way through the Holy Spirit inside of us to obtain that peace. Forgive us when we forget to seek You first through the mazes of life and go down the paths of stress and worry. Thank you for being a God of second chances to continue trying for the inner peace that is available for our choosing. Amen.
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