One of my favourite Christmas passages is in the book of Isaiah when he prophecies that unto us is born a son. And he shall be called wonderful counsellor , everlasting father, prince of peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

When I was figuring out what to say about peace, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this verse literally as I was sat in lectures.

The AMP of Galatians 5:22

“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” GALATIANS‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Inner peace”.

I’m not sure if you’ve ever read the verse in Philippians

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
‭‭PHILIPPIANS‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Couple of things to unpack here.

The fact that one of the fruit of the Spirit, the seed which needs to grow in our heart and lives , is peace that’s something important. Why? Because it’s something that needs to flourish within us, from the inside to the outside!

This week at our youth group meeting here, one of the guys gave his testimony and he said something regarding now he received Jesus, it doesn’t mean that life gets easy. In fact life gets tough, the devil starts fighting. And I was sat in the corner and I thought , God I’m here trying to get my friend to receive you and accept you, and this boy is now talking about how life is hard being a Christian! Then the Holy Spirit had to quieten me and realise that often we aren’t realistic. Life definitely isn’t always rosy, especially when you’re not following the crowd or going the opposite way. The bible tells us this already, it’s no surprise!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

I had to be reminded that in life, things aren’t all ways going to be easy, however having that inner peace in God , means that despite things going on the outside , despite the storms you may be going through , you have a helper. You’re not alone. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

One thing that I have also learnt (and probably said often before), is that the presence of a storm, or things happening in your life doesn’t mean the absence of God. Just like when there’s clouds, it doesn’t mean the sun is not there. It’s easy to think “maybe I did something wrong,” “maybe I deserve this”, but unfortunately , in this world, there will be things that happen good and bad! However, having peace residing in your heart , allowing the peace of God to guard your heart ! Like the scripture previously in Philippine. When you think of a guard , I immediately think of the ones stood outside Buckingham palace. Day and night surrounding. And that’s how God wants His peace and His love to cover your heart. The bible in proverbs tells us that guard your heart for from it flow all issues of life. And just like a boat can only sink when water gets inside it, we can only sink in trouble when we allow it to reside in us and fill  our hearts.

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”
‭‭JOHN‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

For every challenge.

God wants us to have peace. God wants us  to lean on Him, and trust in Him, especially when things are going wayward in our lives ! And even when things are okay! Trusting in Him.

Now, this post isn’t to glamourise struggles and hardship, but it’s to let you know that inner peace doesn’t mean absence of storm. It’s knowing that you’re going to get through it. It may be a dark valley of the shadow of death (psalms 23), but it’s just a shadow. God is with you, through it all! And you are not alone.

So, I wanna leave you with practical tips of just being reminded of inner peace.

– have people who encourage you to stay around you especially in times of hardship. It’s easy to want to be alone and to push people away, but having people surround you with love and prayer and encouragement helps

– combat every negative  word and thought  with a reminder from the word of God!

– when you others possibly going through something , share encouragement. Remind them that they’re not alone also.

I hope that this word encourages you, and you’re helped ! Have an amazing week x

~ peace, joy & love

TK