Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
The MacArthur Study Bible: “peace. The inner calm that results from confidence in one’s saving relationship with Christ. The verb form denotes binding together and is reflected in the expression “having it all together.” Like joy, peace is not related to one’s circumstances.”
Scripture: John 14:25-27 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
I would like to include part of the note on Philippians 4:7, again from The John MacArthur Study Bible: “peace of God…Inner calm or tranquillity is promised to the believer who has a thankful attitude based on unwavering confidence that God is able and willing to do what is best for his children.”
As we go through these fruits of the Spirit, I realize that to help the fruits flow more easily, you must be reading God’s word. If peace comes in part from trusting God’s promises, if joy is delighting in the blessings God gives, if love is demonstrated by following God’s commands, then we must know and be aware of God’s promises, commands and blessings.
We must keep His Word close to our hearts, so we can know Him more. Peace always is nearer when our eyes are fixed upon God. Fear and anxiety grip us when we look away from Him, and towards ourselves or the world around us.
This week, choose to meditate on a specific passage of Scripture. By focusing on God and His Word, you will be protected from fear controlling your thoughts and heart. Being in His Word is important in the Christian’s life, so make it a priority, and watch the fruit grow.
*“O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”
*Helen H. Lemmel
The Misplaced Mom 
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