“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”” Matthew 8:24-27
Peace. That often illusive fruit. Remember these fruit are all connected to the character and personality of Jesus ie. The Holy Spirit. For peace to even be present in you the other six fruit must be active and growing in your life. Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control all must be working within your life for the fruit of peace to even have a chance to begin to manifest in any real fashion.
This isn’t a worldly peace, this is a heavenly / Kingdom / eternal peace. A peace that passes understanding. A peace that comes from above. A peace that Jesus gives to us.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
What exactly is this Peace? The state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order, and security in the midst of turmoil, strife, and temptations. How does one even get this type of peace? Again, we must remember that these fruit are from Him, and HE gives them and nurtures them into our lives AS WE YIELD to Him and follow His instructions to us personally with obedience. And we’re back …to the Rhema Word of God. Is He regularly giving you any? Are you listening to Him? Are you purposely giving Him time to speak to you? “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
I’ve often found that when I’m missing peace all I have to do is check the other six fruit that are required for peace to exist … and which fruit is lacking in my current situation which is causing me to lack the fruit of peace. And if I ask the Holy Spirit what is missing in me, His answers are gentle and true. And that usually means for me to work on one of these three areas: humility, gratefulness, and repentance.
We all need this fruit in greater quantities as the world grows more violent and dangerous around us. As the enemy comes to attack, steal, kill, and destroy. As persecution rises to squash the work of God, and those who are loyal to Him.
Peace allows us to ‘see’ His purposes in the current situation we are facing. Peace gives us the proper response to the turmoil roiling around us. Peace keeps our heart focused on the correct things.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
*selah*