Fruit of the Spirit/Peace

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

     Tornados twirl, heat waves soar, social media blares, anxiety increases, drugs abound. Where is peace? Can it be found? What is robbing you of a sense of peace? What is your mind focusing on today?

     Joyful Jenny had recaptured a sense of hope after her conversation with Encouraging Evelyn. As their study begins, she attempts to focus on the facilitator, but her mind is, once again, in turmoil. The doctor’s appointment for her son, a meeting with an assisted living apartment for her mom and dad and the call she needs to make to the driveway company, are filling her mind, not with peace, but with anxiety.

     “Lord, please focus my mind on You this morning,” she whispers.

     Teaching Tess asks for the women to raise their hands if they are worried about anything this morning.  Most of the women raise their hands. TT reads from Philippians Chapter 4;

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

    Tess continues the discussion. “Did you notice the words at the end of verse 7? That peace of Christ will guard both our hearts and our minds. Listen to these two verses. Our inner peace is somehow connected to what is on our minds.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Isaiah 26:3”

     TT continues, “What do you think, women of faith? Trusting and focusing our minds on Christ rather than on our worries and circumstances, will keep us in peace. Let’s talk about that, but allow me to read one more:

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.  Romans 8:6”

     Jenny felt a surge of peace and contentment flood her tired mind and body. The words of the Bible held such great power and grace for her heart and mind. She listened to the conversation flowing around her. These wise women offered suggestions like taping Scripture verses around the house; memorizing Scripture focused on a particular worry; thanking God in advance for working on a struggle; praising Him for all He is even in the midst of a crisis.  She took notes and felt her anxiety lift.

     As she drove home, with this unexpected peace, she lifted up a prayer asking that it would last for more than five minutes. She decided to stop at Crabby Cathy’s house to figure out what to do about the driveway.

Dear Jesus,

These are Your words of peace to us:

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

Give us the inner peace that surpasses knowledge. Train our minds to focus on You and the things of the Spirit. Keep our hearts and minds free from fear and worry.

Amen