What if maintaining an attitude of peace, calm, and tranquility was less something that we do and more something that we allow? What if it was less work and more getting out of the way? Well, I’ve got good news for you, that’s exactly the best method of maintaining peace…try less, do less, exhaust ourselves less.
In Galatians 5:22, Paul shares: “The fruit of the Spirit is…peace.” Peace is one aspect of the Spirit working in our lives. Peace is third in this list of nine fruits and follows love and joy and is likely a result of that love and joy. But look closer as to Who it is that is working to bring about this peace? Yup! It’s the Holy Spirit. When I get out of the way and let Him work, He does a wonderful job. One commentary stated: “These graces are called ‘fruit’ and not ‘works’ because they are owing to the influence, efficacy, and bounty of the Spirit- and not related to man’s self and power.” (Gill’s Exposition of the Bible/ Galatians 5:22/ biblestudytools.org)
So, if it’s the Spirit that does the work of creating and keeping my peace, then what is my job? Yes! Yielding! My job is to get out of the way. This will help to maintain a fertile heart soil for the Spirit to bear His fruits in me. Our lives are always crazy…mine certainly has been, but that crazy is quieted by the work of the Spirit. He shares His calm, plants it in my heart, and nurtures its growth through His tender care. During my darkest and scariest seasons, the Spirit’s peace has been my stability.
So, if we’re looking for a strategy for maintaining peace, may we consider the yielding needed to let the Spirit do that work. It’s His fruit. May we permit Him to produce it in our lives.
