Xanthe Galanis

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Have you ever had an argument with someone that went on and on until eventually you both decide not to fight anymore, even though you still disagree? And even after you agree to disagree, the whole argument flares up again with all the old animosity even worse than before.

True peace is not simply avoiding conflict. Just as joy is not the absence of hardship, peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter what the conflict. True peace is a wholeness, a completeness, a oneness with God that is only found at the foot of the cross. Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace, who, as we read in John 14, brings peace to the hearts of those who desire it.

Peace is the result of a relationship with God. Peace is a tranquility, a state of rest, that comes from seeking after God. Peace is the opposite of chaos. True peace is a calm assurance coupled with a quiet joy that God has your life under control and that he is continuously working to accomplish his purpose. God knows your unfulfilled desires, your broken dreams, your disappointments, and your defeats. He can bring about peace in your life in the midst of these challenges and he longs to do that for you today.

After we have obtained peace with God through accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, we can experience the peace of God. We need this peace when we’re going through troubling and uncertain times or when we’re unsure of what to do in situations – we need it daily. It’s given to us whenever we need it as long as we keep our focus on God.

Prayer: Father, thank you that I can come to you through Jesus Christ and have true peace. Help me to believe the message of peace and to enter into the joy and peace of life with you. Amen