Receiving Peace, Spending Peace
God gives peace the way someone might place a $100 bill into your hand—fully offered, already yours, and meant to be used. Jesus said, “My peace I give you…” (John 14:27). Like any gift, it becomes meaningful when it is received and put into motion.
And the first place that peace must be “spent” is in the mind. Our choices flow from our thoughts. What shows on the outside begins with what we accept or reject on the inside. Frustration, fear, or impatience rarely begin with action—they take shape in the thoughts that reach us first. Because of that, this is where peace must be spent first, in the inner conversation that quietly shapes everything that follows.
This is where peace begins to make a difference: when it settles the first response rising inside… when it redirects the thoughts that want to run ahead toward worry… when it strengthens the quiet decision to take the next step with trust… when it reminds us of God’s faithfulness as we look toward tomorrow.
Scripture calls us into this inner work: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). Peace “rules” when it becomes the voice we agree with before fear or frustration speaks. And Isaiah shows the fruit of that trust: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
This is what it means to spend the peace God places in our hands. Not by forcing calm, but by letting His peace guide the thoughts that guide the day. When His peace leads the mind, it naturally begins to lead the choices, the words, and the quiet expectancy with which we walk forward.
Prayer
Jesus, You have placed Your peace into my hands as a gift meant to be used. Help me spend it first in my thoughts—in the places where my responses are formed. Let Your peace speak before anything else, steady my mind, and guide my steps. Walk with me into this day, and let Your peace lead me. Amen.