We continue are reading of “A Woman’s Walk with God” by Elizabeth George. It is a study of the Fruit of the Spirit. Today we look at chapter four – “Experiencing God’s Peace.”
The fruit of the Spirit is…peace. Galatians 5:22
The author says “we who are God’s children can experience His peace – no matter what is happening in our life – when we walk by His Spirit. As we are blessed with the peace of God in the midst of life’s trials, we experience a new closeness to Him.”
Peace is not the absence of problems nor related to problems. Rather it is the presence of God in our lives and acknowledging that God will supply our every need. The author states:
• “Our peace has nothing to do with our circumstances, and everything to do with knowing we have a right relationship with God.
• Our peace has nothing to do with daily challenges or crises, and everything to do with knowing that our times are in God’s hands.
• Our peace has nothing to do with the conditions of our life, and everything to do with knowing that God is all-sufficient.
• Our peace is an inward repose and serenity of soul that indicates a heart at rest – regardless of our circumstances – as we place complete confidence in God minute by minute.”
“True spiritual peace comes with knowing that our heavenly Father is continually with us.” To enjoy this peace, we need to trust Him and abide in Him. We either trust God or give in to the emotions of our flesh. When we choose to trust God, we experience peace even in the most difficult times. When we choose to trust God, “we can have the same peace in God that Christ had in the storm at sea and in many other scenes from His life.” In times of panic, we need to choose peace. In times of mounting pressure, we need to choose peace. His peace is always available to us.
The author asks the reader several thought provoking questions.
• “Can you trust God this way?
• Can you let Him, His Son, His Word, and His Holy Spirit be channels of peace?
• Will you trust in God as soon as a reason to panic arises?”
The author uses Martha as an example of how one can let the mounting pressure get to them. “First, Martha’s manner was a dead give-away. Her behavior has been described as cumbered, distracted, worried, and busy. …Martha’s mouth revealed her lack of peace. ‘Lord, do You not care…? Martha’s confusion about her mission also robbed her of peace. In her efforts to serve God, Martha failed to remember that ‘man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.’ So at last we come to Martha’s mindset and the priorities which kept her from knowing God’s peace: Martha was preoccupied with details and secondary issues.”
Then the author shares what we can learn from Martha’s sister. “First of all, Mary rested at the Lord’s feet while Martha was restless. Mary’s manner clearly revealed a soul at rest and the ‘imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit…’ And Mary’s mouth rested, too. …Jesus spoke the words of life…and so Mary was quiet. Like her sister, Mary’s mission was also to serve, but she also understood the more important priority of worship. Clearly Mary’s mindset was pleasing to the Lord. She had her mind set on things above, not on earthly things.”
Let’s look at our own manner, mouth, mission and mindset. What would someone see in us? “Are you in turmoil, or are you trusting and at peace? Are you running around in circles, or are you resting in the Lord? Are your words revealing a sense of panic and pressure, or are they words that edify and encourage, that minister grace to those who hear? Are your actions reflecting the priorities God would have you set? Is your relationship with Him first, or are you too busy to sit at His feet and enjoy His presence?”
May God enable us like Mary to choose to make our number one priority ‘the good part which shall not be taken away’ – our relationship with Him!”
Here is a thought provoking question the author asks at the end of chapter four:
Personal Peace – What concerns in your life tend to cause you anxiety and rob you of peace? More specifically, what current situation tempts you to worry?
Let’s pray. Father, we thank You for the peace You provide for us. Peace that we can have in the midst of turmoil and difficult circumstances. Peace in having a right relationship with You. Peace in knowing that we are in the palm of Your hand. I thank You for the peace that passes all understanding that I have experienced in my own life. I pray now for those reading this that may be going through a difficult time and need to experience Your peace in a deeper way. I pray that You will bless them in every way possible. Thank You Father. We love and appreciate You. We declare that there is none like You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Blessings,
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