Let’s Talk About Peace: The purpose of Peace: To Provide Security
One purpose / function of the fruit of peace in our lives is to provide us with security – to help our hearts not be troubled – peace of mind. Psalm 29:11 (AMP) says, “The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 37:11 (AMP) says, “But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” There is an example of one fruit of the spirit, meekness, causing another fruit to flourish! We will talk more about meekness in a later chapter.
Our God loves us so much, and He knows us so well! He knew from the beginning that we would struggle with this peace; that we would have some difficulty with “letting our hearts be troubled.” Because God knew this would be a daily struggle for us, He provided the words “fear not,” or “do not be afraid'” 365 times in His Word – one for every day of the year!
God wants us to have peace. We all wonder sometimes what God has in store for us. In Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP), it says “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” We need to learn to trust Him. He won’t always reveal His plans for us ahead of time, but He will ALWAYS have our best interest at heart when He moves on our behalf.
When we begin to feel insecure, we need to remember the words of Jesus, “Peace be still.” These words were spoken by Jesus in the midst of a terrible storm. The wind and sea obeyed him! This story can be found in both Matthew 8 and Mark 4. We have this power inside of us – we need not fear the storms of life!
During this particular storm, Jesus was in TOTAL PEACE! Matthew 8:23-27 (AMP) says, “And after He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly, behold, there arose a violent storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by the waves; but He was sleeping. And they went and awakened Him, saying, Lord! Rescue and preserve us! We are perishing! And He said to them, Why are you timid and afraid, O you of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peace-ableness). And the men were stunned with bewildered wonder and marveled, saying, What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
Jesus was never afraid, He was never unsure of the outcome, He was never worried. He just didn’t understand why everyone else was so upset! Don’t you suppose He has the same response to our hysterical cries for help? Don’t you know it must grieve Him to see us struggle for this peace that He knows He has already given us!? Help us to be more like Jesus!
God’s peace is like a mighty fortress, strong and protective. This peace prevents our hearts from being troubled – to give us security. When we have right-standing with God, we have this peace. Isaiah 32:17-18 (NIV) says, “And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, and insecure dwellings, and in undisturbed resting places.”
How many people do you know that have trouble sleeping at night because they aren’t sure they live in a secure dwelling? Every single day we face fears and troubles – but take courage – Jesus has already provided what we need! In John 16:33 (NIV) it says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
I don’t know about you, but I will sleep better knowing my dwelling place is secure! And my God has provided all the security I need!