Grow in Peace

Grow in Peace reminds us that as we choose to rest in the sovereignty of God, we are bathed in peace, for we know God is faithful. 

• Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP)But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
• Galatians 5:22-25 (MSG) But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
• John 14:27 (NKJV) 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, neither let it be afraid.

A post by Meghan Williams from MeghanW.com is connected to this. It’s called “Faith (Emunah), Sovereignty, and the Goodness of God.”

We often refer to God as being sovereign, but I’m not sure we really stop and think about what that means and how it effects us. To begin let’s look at a few of the ways Merriam-Webster defines the word “sovereign“: “having unlimited power or authority, not limited; having undisputed ascendancy(position of power); possessed of supreme power; unlimited in extent.” In other words, as a dear friend of mine used to say, “God is large and in charge!”

Now let’s connect this with the Hebrew word “emunah“ (H530), which is typically translated faith or faithful, but also as steadfastness. This definition however doesn’t capture the cultural understanding behind the word: emunah is the belief (faith) that because God is sovereign we can trust that we are safe in His steadfast hands. As such, when bad things happen, rather than rail against them, we choose to ask why we’re going through them and what we can learn – we choose to trust that beauty will come forth from ashes because that’s the character God we serve. 

A vital part of walking in this form of emunah faith is knowing and having confidence in the character of God and His goodness. It’s incredibly difficult if not impossible to trust someone you believe is unkind or untrustworthy, so knowing the heart of God and having relationship with Him is a vital part to any true faith walk. But as you step into that kind of faith, there is such a sense of peace because you are releasing those burdens into God’s very capable hands. It allows you to be lightened of spirit and simply enjoy childlike faith because you trust your Papa God. 

The beautiful thing is that as you walk in this emunah faith, your experiences begin to underscore your beliefs. As you see over time how God shows up again and again, or how He turns challenges into blessings, or even how He will take trauma and transmute it into beauty by empowering overcoming and then later bringing hope to others through the sharing that victory… all of this supports and strengthens our emunah faith conviction. 

In closing, I’ll share this quote from Tzvi Freeman’s post “What Is Emunah? Beyond Belief,” “Emunah, however, is an innate conviction, a perception of truth that transcends, rather than evades, reason. Quite the contrary, wisdom, understanding and knowledge can further enhance true emunah.” So may you be steadfast in your faith and in your understanding of the character of God that you might rest in His capable hands and live in that place of peace. 

Ephesians 6:16 (KJV) Above all, taking the shield of faith…

1 Peter 5:7 (RSV) Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.

A quote from an author friend, Sarah Hawkes Valente, is connected to this. “Faith is not believing God for the hand you want as much as it is trusting Him with the one you’ve been given. Emunah.”

A post by Meghan Williams from MeghanW.com is connected to this. It’s called “Expectation of Good (Hebrews 11:6).”

In my post “Taking thoughts captive (Ungodly Beliefs),” I talk about the pygmalion effect (self-fulfilling prophecy) and how we can avoid it when we are mindful to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). God has been highlighting the theme of expectations, this is the third and final (for now anyway) portion, and it runs along the same theme, which is to be in expectation of good. So let’s start with Hebrews 11:6 (AMP), which is foundational.

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

This scripture was highlighted in my post “Substance of Faith,” in which I shared that “Faith is essential.  And you cannot claim to be a person of faith if you don’t truly believe He ‘is’ – but also (and this is the one so many people struggle with) that He is a rewarder.”

This is where it ties back to the concept of expecting good. Do you truly believe that God wants to bless you? So many people who love the Lord (and “earnestly and diligently seek Him”) have either very low expectations for what God can and will do in their lives, or worse – they don’t believe He wants to bless them at all (often because they don’t feel “worthy” of being blessed). To make matters worse, this expectation of less-than-good or not-good can often lead to self-fulfilling prophecy, where we then draw that outcome to ourselves and then get the “pleasure” of being right.

In my post “The Impact of Expectations (How-to Manage Your Expectations),” I talk about how powerful expectations can be, and how we manage them can position us for good or set us up for failure. We need to know the difference between our hopes and expectations. Staying in a place of having an expectation of good, isn’t about the specifics. It isn’t saying “if God loves me, He will do ____.” It’s about living from a place of knowing His plans for you are good, so even when not-good things happen, you know that even in those moments – somewhere there is good. We see this articulated in James 1:2-3 (NIV).

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

As we live with this expectation of good, our lives then become a testament to God’s very nature because the fact that we know Him, allows us to trust His heart for us, and our trust in His heart for us declares Him worthy of trust to those who don’t know him. In this way, we become true living testimonies to the goodness of God. The sobering part though is that when we do NOT have an expectation of good, the opposite is true. Then our lives unintentionally declare that we don’t believe God is good, which hopefully isn’t how we truly feel (if it is that’s a whole different ballgame). I share more about this in my post “Showing God is Worthy of Our Trust (Numbers 20).”

We can trust that God’s plans for us are good, that He wants to bless us, that He is mindful of us, that He will provide what we need, that He will walk with us in trials and strengthen us to persevere, etc. This is living with an expectation of good. And not just in our interactions with God, but with people too because He is sovereign – so even in those relationships, He is still at work.

If someone has let you down, you can choose to be a victim, or you can remember God is sovereign and ask Him why He allowed it to happen. Let me give you an example, let’s say that a friend has made plans with you and stood you up. You can choose to feel hurt by that, or you can ask God why He allowed it to happen. Perhaps He had something else He wanted you to do with that time, or perhaps He wants to highlight that this particular friend isn’t someone you can depend on and maybe you need to scale back your relationship with them (which may be Him protecting you from future, larger wounds from them).

This all comes back to trusting God. Trusting He is at work. Trusting He is good. Trusting He is moving on your behalf, etc. If you’re struggling with having an expectation of good, consider what the root of that is. Then take it to God and ask for Him to heal it. Do whatever you need to to get to that place of expecting good, both because it will be a blessing for you and because God is worthy of our trust.

A crystalline affirmation from Meghan Williams is connected to this. It reads in first person so it can become your declaration. It’s called “Crafting One’s Thoughts.”

Affirmation: I determine the energy of my thoughts. I get to choose what stories I tell myself, and how I process the information around me. So I choose wisely and with discernment. I am a vessel of light and truth, and I refuse to take on any energy that seeks to mar that space with negativity or falsehoods. I retain my peace regardless of circumstance because I know things happen “for” me, not “to” me. So I trust my path knowing it brings continuing growth and blessing. 

A Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Put Your Confidence in Me.”

Ephesians 6:16 (AMP) Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Beloved, faith is complete confidence in Me. Confidence that I AM who I say I AM. Confidence I’ll do what I’ve said I’ll do. Confidence that I AM. Put your trust in Me for I AM faithful. I AM reliable. I AM trustworthy. I will not let you down. Rest in Me.

Let your faith be unshakable. Let no circumstance or situation give you pause to wonder about Me. I AM always at work and always working on for the good. Let your faith in Me be unshakable. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego said to Nebuchadnezzar, “our God is able to rescue us…but even if He doesn’t we will serve no other.” Their faith in Me and My plans was steadfast. In the same way beloved, let your faith surpass your ability to understand what I am doing and simply trust. I AM worthy of your faith for I AM El Aman, the Faithful God. 

Daniel 3:16-18 (VOICE) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to defend our actions in this matter. We are ready for the test. If you throw us into the blazing furnace, then the God we serve is able to rescue us from a furnace of blazing fire and release us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He does not, O king, you can be sure that we still will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue you erected.

Another crystalline affirmation from Meghan Williams is connected to this. It reads in first person so it can become your declaration. It’s called “Grounded in God’s Love.”

Affirmation: I rest and trust in the One who made me and loves me beyond measure. I choose to stay in a place of rest and trust regardless of circumstance because I know God’s character and I trust God’s love for me as well as His plans for me. God is good. I am loved. I am safe. I am grounded in His love. 

This is a series of Prophetic Nuggets from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams that are connected by scripture / theme. It is a series of three Prophetic Nuggets based on Romans 5:2-4 (VOICE):

Jesus leads us into a place of radical grace where we are able to celebrate the hope of experiencing God’s glory. And that’s not all. We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness.

The first Prophetic Nugget is called “Trust My Radical Grace.”

Romans 5:2 (VOICE) Jesus leads us into a place of radical grace where we are able to celebrate the hope of experiencing God’s glory.

Beloved, rest in My radical grace which was freely given to you. Cling fast to hope in seasons of testing, and know My grace is sufficient for all that is before you. I AM faithful, and I AM good. Trust in My mercy as you rely on My grace, for I will see you through.

Trust Me to be glorified even in the greatest trials, for I give beauty for ashes and joy for mourning, so rest in Me. Hope in Me. Cling fast, and trust My radical grace to see you through. 

The second Prophetic Nugget is called “Rise to the Challenge.”

Romans 5:3-4 (VOICE) …We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, which shapes our characters…

Beloved, embrace trials with joy knowing growth comes in its midst. Refuse to be reluctant and drag the unpleasantness out, but rather trust your heart to My care. Take hold of My hand, for I will see you through.

Allow Me to develop your character. For like a diamond formed under intense pressure, so tribulations can bring forth shining beauty in you if you cling to Me in the process. So rise to the challenge. Be strengthened and beautified through the hardships that come. Beloved, hide yourself in Me.

The third Prophetic Nugget is called “Be Rooted in Hope.”

Romans 5:4 (VOICE) …When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness.

Beloved, refuse to lose hope – even if the trials seem endless. Trust, and be rooted in faith, for you know who I AM, and you know My character, so anticipate My goodness. For I AM a good Father, and I love My children. 

Let hope become your weapon, and make praise your battle cry. May My Word be your foundation, and may My Spirit lead you on. I AM the King of victory, and My heirs align with Me. So refuse to settle for anything less than My divine peace, for it is your legacy.

A Word called “Rest in My Strength” from Elisa Eaton of Waiting in the Wings is connected to this.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP) but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.

Beloved, I am your strength. I am the very power that sustains your life. My ability to sustain you is much more than physical, and it is always available for you to draw on. However, never is My keeping power more apparent than in times when you feel the weakest. Yes, times of trial can be humbling. Through them, you learn to draw on My strength day to day, and moment to moment when necessary. But I do not wish for you lose sight of this truth, for this is who I am to all the days of your life.

Therefore, resist the urge to hide from Me during the day of your trouble. I can handle your questions, your tears, your doubts, and even your anger. Instead of running away from Me, run towards My loving embrace. I am your strong tower, your place of refuge. Together we will face every situation and thought that threatens to overcome you. 

As you seek the shelter of My wings, I will illuminate the heart of the Scriptures to you. You will know peace even in the face of difficulty and uncertain times. I give peace not as the world gives it; My peace reminds you of the depth of My care for you—it is unending. It was never My intention that you face this world alone, struggling from day to day to find your way. All things are in My hand and I desire that you not only survive but thrive. It is My good pleasure and duty to be your comfort, provision, wisdom, vision, and hope. In the day of your trouble, rest in this truth, beloved; it will carry you through.

Remember, the stormy seas will calm. The onslaught of men will abate. The dawn will finally come. Good times will return to you, even though they may seem out of sight in this moment. And when they do come, be certain to take My perfect peace with you. Rest in My strength always, knowing that the one who cares for you will always keep you.

Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV) The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

John 14:27 (NKJV) “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, neither let it be afraid.

1 Peter 5:7 (TPT) Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.

Another Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Right Perspective.”

Ephesians 6:10-11 (VOICE) Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God.  Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes.

Draw from Me, beloved. I AM your strength. I AM your might. I AM power and authority. You are not alone out in a storm. I AM with you, beside you. So command the storm to be still beloved in My name, and whether the external or internal landscape changes, strength and peace are yours.

Gird up your loins. Without hiding My word in your heart you are defenseless, beloved. So eat it as those it were the choicest of meats bringing you strength and stamina because it does and it will. Know Me. Encourage yourself in the faith by seeing Me more and more for who I AM. Magnify Me in your own eyes so you might realize the enemy is no match for Me. As you know Me, you will be able to quiet your soul against the taunts of the enemy because you will know – TRULY know – that I AM greater. I AM.

A final Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Carry an Atmosphere of Peace.” 

Psalm 5:3 (AMP) In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].

Make time to meet with Me, beloved. Come sit with Me. Wait on Me. Listen for My voice. Start your day with a pause. Allow My shalom – the peace that wars against chaos – to settle in your heart and mind. Start your day in that place of quiet, tuned into My frequency. Learn to find that place quickly and stay there.

Carry that quiet with you throughout your day. The enemy will seek to shatter it, but hold fast to it and to Me. It is your Inheritance, it belongs to you and is your right. He cannot take it away, only you can release it. So don’t let go. Hold fast and walk in peace, shifting the atmosphere around you to align with that peace rather than aligning to its chaos. Find Me in that place and hold on tight, I AM with you always.

{Artist note} From the first moment I realized God had begun creating an unplanned series of Dyed4you Art images focused on the Fruits of the Spirit, I knew the image connected to peace was to feature lavender, which is used to naturally assist with unwinding, relaxing, and finding peace. The dove also is a symbol of peace as well as representing the Holy Spirit. In this piece, the dove seems to come forth from the promise (rainbow) of peace (lavender), which seems to speak to the fact it’s far easier to rest in Holy Spirit’s flow (God’s sovereignty – following God’s plan) when we are at peace and not resistant – a beautiful reminder for us. 

There’s always prophetic significance when a previous Dyed4you Art piece is included in a new one. This piece includes elements from two Dyed4you Art pieces: Spirit’s Path and Place of Rest. Again this seems to underscore the message that as we rest in God, we are far more able to follow Spirit’s flow. What a gift this reminder is. 

Father, our desire is to let go of anything hindering us from fully releasing and resting in Your hands completely from a place of total peace. We believe, but help us in our unbelief. May we find new levels of peaceful surrender day after day, and to You be all the glory.