Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit and is always the result of a previously devised set of conditions. Peace is the possession and realization of adequate resources. The work of Jesus Christ is to provide those adequate resources, and the work of the Holy Spirit is to make me realize them. Since Jesus Christ has done a perfect work in my redemption, the problem in obtaining peace is not His, it is mine. The Holy Spirit’s frustration with me (being “grieved” or “quenched”) is because I resist His attempts to get me to act upon what Christ has provided me.
There are only two ways in which I can be without peace: by not knowing what Christ has provided me, and/or by not availing myself of what He has provided. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13, NSRB). Wonderfully true, but only if I avail myself of His strength!
I arrive at peace by knowing what Christ has done for me, and that means saturation with the Word. To live constantly in the Word is to be constantly reminded of everything Jesus Christ has put at my disposal. That constant reminder is a stimulus to faith, for “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). As I read the marvelous provisions that Jesus Christ has bought for me, faith is brought into action to use those provisions. Soon I am cashing in on my merchandise, and the result is a feeling of adequacy, which leads to peace.
I will always feel distressed, and depressed, whenever I feel that the resources within are inadequate to meet the problems without. Jesus Christ came to make me adequate! I must honor Him by believing it, and I must let peace be the manifestation of it.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).
Daily with the King 