18 Jun: The Peace of God
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
. Philippians 4:7
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:16–25
In Perth, Australia, a ministry called Shalom House opens its doors to men battling addiction. Many arrive carrying the weight of drug abuse, alcohol dependency, gambling, and other life-controlling habits. There, they encounter people who genuinely care and who introduce them to God’s shalom—the Hebrew word for peace. Through God’s love, lives that once seemed trapped and broken are being renewed.
At the center of this change is the message of the cross. The men who come to Shalom House learn that because Jesus rose from the dead, there is hope for their own lives to be restored as well. In Him, they discover forgiveness, healing, and a peace the world cannot give.
Biblical peace is more than living without problems or conflict. It speaks of wholeness, restoration, and a right relationship with God. Every one of us needs this kind of shalom, and it is found only through Christ and the work of His Spirit.
That is why Paul reminded the Galatian believers about the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit is at work within us, He shapes our character and brings forth qualities such as “ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Among these gifts is the deep and lasting peace that comes from God.
As we walk with the Spirit and live in God’s shalom, we learn to place our worries, burdens, and needs before our heavenly Father. In return, God gives us “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” a peace that “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).
In Christ’s Spirit, our hearts experience true shalom.
By: Paul Olguin
Go deeper on: The Peace of God
Reflect & Pray
What things tend to rob you of God’s peace? How will you allow the Spirit to produce His peace in your heart?
God of shalom, thank You that Your desire is for peace to reign in my life. Thank You for the work of Jesus to make peace available and the work of the Spirit whose fruit in my life brings peace.