Finding Peace and Patience in God's Presence

Summary

Peace and patience are two qualities that seem almost impossible to cultivate in our fast-paced, chaotic world. Yet, these are not optional extras for the Christian life—they are the very fruit that God desires to grow in us through His Spirit. The journey toward peace begins with a foundational truth: peace with God. Through faith in Jesus, our past is forgiven, our present is secure, and our future is held in His hands. We are no longer striving to earn God’s love or forgiveness; instead, we stand before Him as beloved children, seen through the righteousness of Christ. This peace with God becomes the bedrock for peace within ourselves—peace with our past mistakes, our present circumstances, and our uncertain futures.

But peace doesn’t stop with us. We are called to pursue peace with others, even when it’s not always possible. Scripture is honest: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Sometimes, the healthiest thing we can do is set boundaries, recognizing that not every relationship will be peaceful, and that’s okay. We are not called to be mere peacekeepers, maintaining a fragile status quo, but peacemakers—those who step into chaos and bring the presence of God’s peace.

Patience, closely tied to peace, is not simply waiting, but how we wait. True patience is the ability to remain present and at peace, even in suffering, disappointment, or delay. God doesn’t just hand us patience; He gives us opportunities to let His Spirit produce it in us. Whether it’s being patient in suffering, with others, or in waiting for God’s promises, the process is often uncomfortable. Yet, it’s in the struggle, in the “valley,” that real growth happens. We are called to reflect the patience God has shown us, extending grace to others as they walk their own journeys.

Ultimately, peace and patience are not achieved by striving harder, but by drawing near to God’s presence. Practical steps—gathering with God’s people, reading His Word, prayer, worship, fasting—are not ends in themselves, but means of ushering us into His presence. It is there, in communion with the Spirit, that the fruit of peace and patience is produced. The invitation is not to chase after these qualities, but to pursue God Himself, trusting that as we do, He will transform us from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

- Peace with God is the foundation for all other peace. Until we rest in the finished work of Jesus—knowing we are fully forgiven and accepted—we will never find true peace in our hearts or lives. This peace is not earned, but received by faith, and it changes how we see ourselves and our circumstances. [36:20]

- Being at peace with ourselves means embracing both our past failures and our present limitations. God uses even our mistakes and pain to shape us for His purposes. When we accept that we are works in progress, we can live with contentment in the present and hope for the future, free from the tyranny of regret or anxiety. [40:21]

- Pursuing peace with others sometimes requires difficult boundaries. Scripture acknowledges that peace is not always possible with everyone, and it’s not always up to us. Loving others may mean loving them from a distance, and sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do is to refuse to let someone else’s chaos disrupt the peace God is building in our lives. [43:06]

- We are called to be peacemakers, not just peacekeepers. God places us in difficult, even chaotic, situations not to maintain a false sense of calm, but to actively bring His peace. This often means having hard conversations, confronting issues, or making changes that disrupt the status quo, trusting that God’s peace is worth fighting for. [46:24]

- Patience is forged in the waiting and the struggle, not in comfort. Whether it’s enduring suffering, waiting for God’s promises, or bearing with others, patience is the fruit of the Spirit cultivated through dependence on God. The way we wait—celebrating others, remaining hopeful, and staying present—reveals our trust in God’s timing and goodness. [56:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:46] - Honoring Leadership and Community
[33:42] - The Challenge of Peace and Patience Today
[34:23] - The Lost Art of Patience in Modern Life
[35:23] - The Pursuit of Peace in a Chaotic World
[36:20] - Finding Peace with God
[39:30] - Making Peace with Your Past
[40:21] - Contentment in the Present and Hope for the Future
[42:16] - Peace with Others: Boundaries and Realities
[43:46] - Jesus’ Example and Relational Boundaries
[45:05] - Peacemakers vs. Peacekeepers
[47:05] - Making War for True Peace
[49:35] - Scheduling Peace and Saying No
[53:49] - Patience in Suffering and Struggle
[56:52] - Growth in the Valley: The Power of Patience
[57:43] - Patience with Others and Their Journey
[01:00:56] - Waiting with Hope and Joy
[01:06:11] - Practical Steps to Cultivate God’s Presence
[01:08:41] - The Source of Peace and Patience: The Spirit
[01:09:20] - Invitation to Peace with God and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Peace & Patience

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### Bible Reading

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)
> Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:18 (ESV)
> If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the “fruit of the Spirit” and how are they described—as separate fruits or as one fruit? ([33:42])
2. In Romans 5:1, what is the basis for our peace with God? ([36:20])
3. What does Romans 12:18 say about our responsibility in pursuing peace with others? ([42:16])
4. The sermon mentioned that sometimes peace with others isn’t possible. What reasons were given for this, and how did the pastor explain it? ([43:06])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says peace with God is the foundation for all other peace. Why is it impossible to have true peace in our lives without first having peace with God? ([36:20])
2. The pastor talked about being at peace with our past, present, and future. How does understanding God’s forgiveness help us accept our own mistakes and limitations? ([39:30])
3. What is the difference between being a “peacekeeper” and a “peacemaker” according to the sermon? Why does God call us to be peacemakers? ([45:05])
4. The sermon described patience as “the ability to wait or remain present while being at peace.” How does this definition challenge the way we usually think about patience? ([53:49])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “If you don’t find peace with God, you will never find peace in any other part of your life.” Is there an area of your life where you’re still striving to earn God’s love or forgiveness? What would it look like to rest in the finished work of Jesus this week? ([36:20])
2. Think about your past mistakes or regrets. Are there things you still struggle to accept or forgive yourself for? How might God be using even those things to shape you for His purposes? ([39:30])
3. Is there a relationship in your life where you’ve been trying to “keep the peace” at the expense of your own well-being? What would it look like to set a healthy boundary, or to be a peacemaker instead of a peacekeeper? ([43:06])
4. The sermon said, “Sometimes the only way you can live at peace with somebody is by cutting them off. Because there are people addicted to chaos.” Is there someone in your life whose chaos is disrupting your peace? What step could you take to protect the peace God is building in you? ([43:06])
5. When have you found yourself impatient in suffering, waiting, or with others? What is one practical way you can practice patience this week—either by celebrating someone else’s blessing, staying present in a hard moment, or extending grace to someone on their journey? ([56:52])
6. The pastor gave practical steps for drawing near to God’s presence: gathering with God’s people, reading His Word, prayer, worship, fasting. Which of these do you find most challenging, and how could you take a small step to grow in that area this week? ([01:06:11])
7. The sermon warned against chasing after peace and patience as goals, instead of pursuing God Himself. What would it look like for you to focus on God’s presence this week, trusting Him to produce peace and patience in you? ([01:05:20])

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Devotional

Day 1: The Foundation of Peace—Peace with God
True peace begins with being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. When you realize that your past, your failures, and your shortcomings are covered by the blood of Jesus, you no longer have to strive to earn God’s love or forgiveness. Instead, you can rest in the truth that God sees you through the lens of His Son—holy, righteous, and beloved. This foundational peace with God is the starting point for experiencing peace in every other area of your life. [36:20]

Romans 5:1 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Are you still trying to earn God’s love or forgiveness in some area of your life, or can you rest today in the truth that you are fully accepted and at peace with Him because of Jesus?



Day 2: Living at Peace with Yourself—Past, Present, and Future
Finding peace with God allows you to be at peace with yourself—your past mistakes, your present circumstances, and your future uncertainties. God uses even your failures and regrets to shape you for good, and He invites you to be content with where you are on the journey, trusting Him with what’s ahead. You don’t have to be anxious about tomorrow or stuck in yesterday; you can be present and grateful today, knowing God holds your story in His hands. [40:57]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one area of your past, present, or future that you need to surrender to God today so you can experience His peace right now?



Day 3: Pursuing Peace with Others—As Far as It Depends on You
God calls you to live at peace with others, but acknowledges that it’s not always possible or fully within your control. Sometimes, being at peace means setting healthy boundaries or loving certain people from a distance. You are responsible for your part—doing what you can to make peace, even if it means having hard conversations or letting go of relationships that bring chaos. Trust God with the outcomes, and remember that being a peacemaker sometimes requires courage and action, not just keeping the peace. [43:06]

Romans 12:18 (ESV)
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life where you need to set a boundary or have a difficult conversation in order to pursue true peace rather than just keeping the peace?



Day 4: Patience in Suffering and with Others
Patience is more than just waiting—it’s remaining present and at peace even when life is hard. God calls you to be patient in suffering, knowing that growth happens in the struggle, not just on the mountaintop. He also calls you to be patient with others, reflecting the same grace and patience He has shown you. Whether you’re enduring hardship or walking with someone on their journey, patience is a fruit of the Spirit that God produces in you as you trust Him through every season. [54:28]

Romans 12:12 (ESV)
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to stop trying to escape discomfort and instead ask God to help you grow in patience—either in your own suffering or with someone else’s process?



Day 5: The Source of Peace and Patience—Abiding in God’s Presence
Peace and patience are not achieved by striving or self-effort, but by staying connected to God’s presence. As you make space for worship, prayer, God’s Word, and community, the Holy Spirit produces His fruit in your life. Instead of chasing after peace or patience, pursue God Himself—He is the source. When you abide in Him, you’ll find that peace and patience begin to flow naturally, transforming your heart and your relationships. [01:08:41]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally seek God’s presence today—through worship, prayer, Scripture, or community—so that His peace and patience can grow in you?

Quotes

``Therefore, when I stand in front of God, I stand in front of him holy. Not because I'm holy, but because Jesus made me holy. Not because I deserve to be called righteous, but Jesus is called righteous. That when I stand before God, I am at peace with him. I am not striving to make him love me. I am not trying to earn his forgiveness. I stand here in faith recognizing that when he sees me, he sees his son Jesus. [00:37:38] (27 seconds)  #RighteousByFaith Edit Clip

I don't have to worry about tomorrow because I worship the one that holds tomorrow. I don't have to be anxious about what that doctor is going to say about that blood work last week. Why? Because I know the one that created it all. I know my healer. I know the great physician. I know the, I don't have to worry about my future because I know the one that holds it. I'm at peace with my past, my present, and my future self. [00:41:27] (33 seconds)  #TrustingTheHealer Edit Clip

Even Jesus understood this principle that not everybody deserves full access to your life. And yet we think everybody gets to sit at my table. No, the Bible says, if it is possible, live at peace with everyone. And sometimes the only way you can live at peace with somebody is by cutting them off. Because there are people addicted to chaos. There are people, family members, addicted to chaos. And you will never find peace in close proximity to them. [00:44:34] (36 seconds)  #PeaceThroughDistance Edit Clip

Some of us run our whole lives trying to keep everything peaceful. Make everybody happy. How's it working? Because everybody is at peace except you. You're miserable. You're like, everybody else is happy though. You're like, I hate my life. Here's the reality. I started with the statement that life isn't always peaceful. But you are called to make peace. God will insert you into chaotic situations. Not to maintain the peace. To keep up the facade of peace. But to make peace. [00:45:55] (40 seconds)  #CalledToMakePeace Edit Clip

God, why isn't this situation peaceful? Because I put you in it to actually bring the peace. And as long as you're running around trying to keep the peace, you will always miss it. Some of us need to start making war in order for peace to happen. It's the reality of the world we live in. Sometimes you've got to fight to find peace. It didn't start peaceful. But if I'm going to be inserted into the equation, it's going to end peacefully. Because I'm called to make peace. [00:46:53] (33 seconds)  #PeaceThroughConversation Edit Clip

You're trying to avoid tough conversations so that you can keep the peace. You're lying to yourself because there's no peace. It's a facade. How you make peace is by having the conversation that you're avoiding. [00:47:54] (15 seconds)  #LearningToSayNo Edit Clip

Why do we expect out of people what God doesn't? See somebody raise their hand and give their life to Jesus, and Thursday we're calling them, and we're like, hey, why are you still cussing? Like, bro, you cuss too. You just don't do it around your church, friends. Hey, man, why are you still living with your girlfriend? It's like Friday. You said you were following Jesus on Sunday. And I'm not saying we shouldn't have conversations about sanctification and becoming more like Christ, but can we be patient with other people and their process? Because it took you decades to get where you are. And you expect people to do in days what took you decades. [00:59:18] (49 seconds)  #FruitOfTheSpiritPeace Edit Clip