I had planned a different post for today. But with everything going on in the world, this one seems especially meaningful. I pray these tips to cultivate Peace (The Fruit the Fights) encourage your heart…

According to Scripture, Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:7). Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And God promises peace to those who trust in him (Psalm 119:165) Sounds like peace is pretty important to God. 

So important in fact, that when Jesus is speaking to his followers for the last time, he gives them this treasure: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” John 14:27

Can you imagine, Jesus is at peace, even on the eve of his betrayal, unfair trial, and gruesome death?! – That’s the kind of peace I need. And you know what? That’s the kind of peace His followers needed in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Jesus, our kind and compassionate King, models for us what perfect peace looks like in the worst of circumstances. Then, He encourages us with these words, “I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27b) 

You see, Dear One, the world is in a panic, filled with fear and uncertainty. But what if, there is a better way for those who know The Prince of Peace?

Peace flows like a river from the very heart of Jesus to your heart and out to those who need it. It stills your heart, like quiet waters so that you can think clearly and breathe deeply. 

The world says peace is the absence of war.  But God shows us that peace is the very presence of Jesus despite war.  He is our life and He cannot be taken away from us. 

Dear Ones, we become what we behold. If we feed our hearts on the fear, panic and devastation on the news, our hearts will become fearful and panicked. 

If we behold the beauty of the Lamb, even while the world is falling around us, we realize that our footing is secure in His person. 

He is our life. He is the rock upon which we stand. He is our hope. We trust in Him not the rulers of this world. 

This is not an easy task. I know, I walk alongside you in it. But we are not alone. The Holy Spirit, the comforter has come. The Spirit teaches us and reminds us of the truth of Jesus’ words, and cultivates that peace in our hearts. 

So here are three things that I’m learning to practice regularly. Try these things throughout the day…
 

1. BREATHE + BEHOLD. Take deep breaths and invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and help you to see Jesus even in these challenging times. As you breathe in, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you. Use your Holy imagination to see yourself handing your fear (or other anxieties- be sure to name them) to Jesus in exchange for Peace.

2. PURSUE PEACE. The Holy Spirit will help you grow peace in your heart. But you must pursue it. Ask the Spirit to show you verses about peace that you can easily commit to memory. These words of life and peace will nourish your heart and remind you to pursue peace.
   
3. GUARD YOUR PEACE. Remember Jesus said, Do not let your heart be troubled. This implies you get to choose peace or not. So you might have to “get a little savage” about it!  Ask Holy Spirit what chokes out your peace, then obey his instructions for guarding yourself against that thing so that you can cultivate peace. (Hint: For me, it means I have to limit phone/screen time daily.)

Peace is a fruit that Holy Spirit cultivates in us. But our peace also frustrates the enemy and removes the hold he has on us when we move in obedience toward what Holy Spirit shows us 

… Who would have thought that the enemy would be defeated with fruit ? 🙂 

You are not alone, we stand together with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He will not fail. There isn’t a battle he hasn’t already won – no matter what the kings of this world say. 

I am praying with you and our brothers and sisters all over the world. 

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The children and I have been memorizing these verses. Feel free to start with these. We’ve found that when fear and frustration rise, the Word of God grounds us and reminds us of the Truth. (Singing helps us memorize them. It ain’t pretty, but it helps 🙂

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in You. 

Psalm 119:65 Great peace have they who love your law and nothing shall offend them (make them stumble).

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of God rule in your hearts for as members of one body you were called to live in peace. 

Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink but of living a life of goodness (righteousness) peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Joshua 1:9 Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.