Joy and Peace Are Not Found - They Are Inherited
Joy and peace were never placed at the end of a journey. They were never meant to be discovered through searching, effort, or spiritual maturity. They belong to the children of God as inheritance, given before striving ever began. Scripture does not describe joy and peace as rewards, but as fruit that grows naturally where life is rooted in Him. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace” (Galatians 5:22, NKJV). Fruit does not strain. It appears because the tree is alive.
This inheritance rests in union, not achievement. “He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV). Union is not something entered through effort. It is something received through belonging. Where union is known, joy and peace are not summoned or sustained. They remain. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, NKJV). Remaining is not an action. It is a condition of being held.
Peace, too, is not fragile or conditional. It does not wait for resolution or certainty. Scripture speaks of peace as something that guards, not something that must be guarded. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NKJV). This peace does not arise because life is calm. It arises because Christ is present. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27, NKJV).
Inheritance explains why joy and peace cannot be produced. What is inherited is not earned, and what is earned is not inherited. “If children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17, NKJV). Heirs do not prove themselves worthy. They receive what already belongs to them. Joy and peace are not found by looking ahead. They are recognised by resting where you already are.
Nothing is being sought here. Nothing is being added. This is not arrival into something new, but awareness of what has been true all along. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17, NKJV). Where the Spirit dwells, inheritance speaks quietly for itself.
