Empowered by the Spirit – 30

Key Word: ²⁷ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Luke 14:27

Peace, a profound and essential fruit of the Spirit, is a treasure that every believer can experience and embody. In the New Testament, the Greek word for peace is Irene, and in Hebrew, it’s Shalom. While Irene represents a state of rest, quietness, and tranquility—an absence of strife, and perfect well-being—Shalom goes even deeper. It conveys the idea of complete wholeness, where nothing is missing, and nothing is broken. This divine peace is a covenant blessing that flows from the very presence of God.

Imagine the significance of the word Shalom in a Jewish greeting. When someone says Shalom to you, they are not just wishing you peace in the superficial sense; they are invoking God’s covenantal goodness in your life, praying that His perfect wholeness will be manifest in every aspect of your being.

A Peace Beyond Understanding

One of the most immediate effects of encountering Jesus is the profound peace that washes over us. It’s that deep sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden has been lifted from our shoulders. Many new believers, when asked how they feel after giving their hearts to Jesus, often describe a sense of deep peace. It’s an indescribable calm, as though the inner storm has been stilled.

This reminds me of the story of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32. After wasting his inheritance and finding himself in dire circumstances, the Prodigal Son makes the decision to return home. Imagine the turmoil in his heart—the guilt, the shame, the fear of rejection. But as he approaches, his father runs to meet him, embracing him tightly. In that embrace, the son experiences a peace that surpasses all understanding. He knows he is forgiven, accepted, and loved unconditionally. The father’s embrace is the peace of God, melting away the son’s fears and anxieties.

Jesus, Our Prince of Peace

Jesus, who is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), demonstrated this divine peace throughout His life. In the midst of a storm on the Sea of Galilee, while His disciples were panicking, Jesus slept peacefully (Mark 4:35-41). When they woke Him in fear, He simply spoke to the storm, “Peace, be still!” and the winds and waves obeyed. Jesus carried this peace with Him, and it flowed into every situation He encountered, calming storms both literal and metaphorical.

As believers, we too can walk in this peace. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to be anxious for nothing but to bring everything to God in prayer. As we do, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is not just a passive state; it’s an active force that affects our relationships, our temperament, and our ability to bring calm into chaotic situations. It turns us into peacemakers, a role Jesus blessed in Matthew 5:9 when He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Walking in Peace

Recently, I had a matter that was simply troubling me and I was in a sort of inner turmoil because of it. I started seeking the face of God and realised it was something to do with my willfulness and lack of submission to God’s way and will. Immediately I confessed this sin and repented, I had this unexplainable deep peace of God in my heart again. It is good to know that when we feel anxious, we can search our hearts to know why and when we take corrective action, the peace of God is restored. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Peace!

Cultivating this peace requires constant fellowship with the Lord. The more we immerse ourselves in His presence, the more we experience His peace. Prayer is a powerful way to maintain this connection. Through prayer, we hand over our anxieties and receive God’s peace in return. It’s a divine exchange that anchors us in tranquility, regardless of external circumstances.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of peace, a peace that surpasses all human understanding. We ask that You fill our hearts with Your Shalom, that perfect peace where nothing is missing and nothing is broken. Help us to walk in this peace daily, allowing it to overflow into our relationships and our world. May we be peacemakers, reflecting Your love and tranquility in all we do. Guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, and let Your peace reign in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May God’s peace be with you today and always. Shalom.