This is my prayer. That God…will give you spiritual wisdom and the insight to know more of him: that you may receive that inner illumination of the spirit which will make you realise how great is the hope to which he is calling you—the magnificence and splendour of the inheritance promised to Christians—and how tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God.

—Ephesians 1:17-19 Phillips

Chapter 5 - Day 3 Devo

Day 3 Devo

Praying in the Spirit…

PRODUCES PEACE WITHIN

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: …peace….

—Galatians 5:22 NLT

What is peace? Sometimes knowing what something is not helps us know what it truly is. True peace, the peace that Jesus gives through His Spirit, is not about having a full bank account, perfect health, a beautiful home and extravagant possessions, or relationships that are void of conflict.

True peace—God’s peace—is not defined by external circumstances or conditions. It is stability in the midst of difficulty. It is the ability to remain mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually calm and collected in the midst of problems.

Stop and ask yourself, What is my understanding of peace? What is my peace anchored in? How does my understanding of peace differ from the true peace of the Spirit? What needs to change?

Through the sacrifice of Christ, we are given peace with God. Through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, we are given the peace of God. Jesus Himself said,

“I leave behind with you—peace; I give you my own peace and my gift is nothing like the peace of this world. You must not be distressed and you must not be daunted.”

—John 14:27 Phillips

What are we to do with the peace given to us by the Prince of Peace?

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live].

—Colossians 3:15 AMP

Imagine yourself as the batter who has stepped up to home plate. Behind you squats the Umpire of Peace, and each ball the pitcher throws is a decision you need to make. Now carefully reread Colossians 3:15. How important are the umpire’s calls? What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about allowing Him to be your Umpire of Peace?

The primary way the Spirit leads us into God’s perfect will is through a sense of peace within. This is what Scripture means when it says “the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit” (Romans 8:16).What decisions are you facing right now that you need God to lead you in? Pause and pray in the Spirit. Then wait for His witness of peace. What is He speaking to you?

Chapter 5 - Day 4 Devo

Day 4 Devo

Praying in the Spirit…

RELEASES WISDOM AND DIRECTION