In recent columns we have been looking at the fruit of the Spirit as given to us in Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law”. Peace is a fruit, and a tremendous benefit, of living a Spirit-led life.

A true life of faith is one rooted and guided in peace. This isn’t any kind of peace: it is the peace only God can provide. The inconsistencies of life do not shake this peace: it stands firm through every storm. That’s because its foundation is laid upon the truth of God.

To attain this peace in our lives, we must keep our eyes solely focused on the Lord. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (NIV).

Not only must we keep focused on Him, but we must put our trust fully in His mighty power. Trusting Him requires that we put our faith and hope firmly in the truth of His Word. When we trust in Him, we embrace the fact that He is guiding our life through the presence of His Holy Spirit inside of us.

Following the leading of the Spirit grants us peace because we know our future is safe and secure in His hands. We no longer have to obsess over every next step in life: all we have to do is follow Him. With God at the wheel, we can sit back and just take in every moment of our lives with a peaceful heart.

Our ultimate source of peace is Jesus Himself! In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”.

Knowing that Jesus has conquered many trials, including death itself, brings great comfort to our hearts. When we commit our lives to Him, He makes His power our own. We, too, can conquer everything that comes against us.

Pray boldly that God would help you to embody each fruit of the Spirit!