Peace And Joy Are Our Possessions As Christians

For the kingdom of God is… righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

Romans 14:17

 

 

When you are born again—when you have made Jesus the Lord of your life and you have entered into a lasting relationship with God—then the fruit of that relationship will be righteousness (which comes as a result of salvation), peace, and joy. You can expect peace and joy to become a part of your daily life when you are a Christian—but just like all the other benefits of being a Christian, these attributes come at a price.

 

During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, as George Washington tried to regroup during the winter of 1776, the great English writer, Thomas Paine, wrote a stirring essay on a drumhead that encapsulated the monumental struggle of that conflict. It was called "The American Crisis," and it so moved George Washington that he ordered his officers to read it to every soldier in the Continental Army, hoping that it would inspire them not to give up hope.

 

These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis shrink from the service of their country. But they that stand it now, deserve the love and thanks of men and women. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered. But the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods. It would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.

 

Things of great value, both physical and spiritual, come at a great price. God's salvation may be free, but discipleship is costly. The gifts of the Spirit may also be freely given, but they are not cheap. Our preparation for God's eternal purpose is as rigorous spiritually, as an athlete's training is, and learning to hear God's voice is a lifelong process.

 

We must learn to hear God's voice and obey His commands as then will we experience His joy and peace. And only then will we be the effective vessels for Him to use and mold us into what He wants us to be, and that the world needs see. If we are really serious about walking with God, He will teach us, guide us, comfort us, and yes, we will know His peace and joy in our life.

 

It is an interesting paradox that God orchestrates in our lives. On the one hand, our trials increase as we grow stronger in Him. On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit—including peace and joy—develop to the point that we are given grace to weather the trials, and the rest of our lives are filled with harmonious fellowship with God.

 

Now notice that our lives are filled with harmonious fellowship with God… it does not say our lives will be filled with harmonious fellowship within our circumstances or with others others.

 

Why?

 

Well, because if those around us are not born again Christians or are Christians but are not seeking to live according to God's will and the leading of the Holy Spirit then they will not be experiencing peace and joy in their lives.

 

Knowing this, as we follow God, we will through circumstances or when in contact with others that seem to zap our peace and joy, will have the endurance of peace and joy to continue on and not be shaken by the discord and chaos that is taking place. Isaiah wrote, For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace (Isaiah 55:12).

 

Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm not going to allow these circumstances to rob my joy?" In making this declaration they are being absolutely biblical—peace and joy are our possessions as Christians. The only way that we will walk in unrest as growing and mature Christians is if we allow circumstances or the devil to rob us of our peace and joy. The truth of the matter is that the devil attempted to rob them of their joy, but he only succeeded if they allowed him to.

 

That is why:

 

• Paul and Silas could sing praises to God in the Philippian jail (See Acts 16:25).
• Stephen could praise the God of heaven as he was being stoned for his bold witness (See Acts 7:55-60).
• Peter wrote, But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (See 1 Peter 4:13).
• Paul, at the eve of his martyrdom, could write, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (See 2 Timothy 4:7).

These and many more did not allow the devil to influence them or still away the peace and joy they have from God even if their circumstances where less than ideal. So again from the writings of Isaiah, we can say along with him regardless of what our current circumstances might be, that we as Christians know that, You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3).