Dear Ones:
There is nothing in the Christian life that is passive. We often confuse “peace” with “passiveness.” When we examine the life of the Lord Jesus, and His ministry on earth, John writes: “…there are also many other things which Jesus did…if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” (John 21:25) The life and ministry of Christ was filled with good works, activity. How then can we reconcile the idea of “peace” with “activity and work?” We can do so when we understand that the peace of God is that blessed experience of being in conformity with God’s purpose, will, and way. It is as Christ abided in His Father, was one with Him, in love and joy…that He knew the Father’s peace in all that He did and wherever He went. The experience of this life of peace, that very peace of
God, was known because of conformity with the mind and heart of the Father. The life and love of the Father was known, and experienced continually by the Son.
In Isaiah we find a great deal written about peace. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” (Is. 26:3) “…In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Is. 30:15) The Apostle Paul picks up the theme in the letter to the Philippians when he wrote: “…and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7) He goes on to say in verse 9, “…and the God of peace shall be with you.” So then, how shall we know this peace of God that comes FROM God? It is simply as we abide in Christ, walk in fellowship with Him, living in conformity with His purposes and ways, that the Spirit of God will give to us His peace…for the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace.
Today, may we trust the God of peace to bring us into conformity with Christ, in mind, heart, soul, spirit, and body…believing Him to lead us in His peace, as we serve Him. It is then that we can walk, work, and war (fighting the good fight of faith…), in His peace…a peace that passeth understanding.
Love, Dad