The Peace of God

In a day when it seems all of our surroundings are unraveling, we all long for stability and assurance that everything will be okay. This year will go down as the most unusual with circumstances that have been beyond our control. This was the year of 2020 vision for many. We were all excited to see what this year would hold and to lean into all that was before us. Then March introduced us to Covid.

Three months into this year, we found ourselves quarantined and dealing with an international pandemic caused by a virus that had the capability to leave a person asymptomatic and eventually in the hospital on a ventilator. Then, we as a nation, dealt with protesting and rioting. People were in uproar because of social injustice and racial tension. Now, there are far left wing radicals who are trying to establish a city and government independent of what is already established to rule our country. All of this has caused much panic and fear.

Jesus said as recorded in John 16:36, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

These are powerful words of peace! Jesus says that in Him we have perfect peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He brings the peace that passes all understanding.

The peace of God, which is the word shalom in Hebrew, and eirenen in the Greek, refers to the peace that only comes from Jesus Christ. This peace provides inner satisfaction, contentment and fulfillment. It is a state of being as well as an attitude or mindset. When we receive the peace of Christ, there is no circumstance that will shake us. We realize that no matter how stiff the winds of life may be, Jesus is able to calm the storm.

The house that I live in is located next to a forest of trees. During a windstorm, I often look out my windows to watch the trees. There are trees, that because of the wind, will look like they are about to collapse. The wind will blow them back and forth as if they are pool noodles, on the verge of falling down. Then, I see others, who even despite a powerful wind, are not affected at all. The difference in trees is the root system. The trees with strong roots are able to withstand the onslaught of harsh winds that come against them.

This is a picture of what Jesus does, imparting His peace to His children, in the midst of difficult circumstances. His peace is an anchor for our souls. It solidifies us even when our world seems to be crashing down. He calms the storm.

Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

Receive His peace today.

Strength comes from Jesus

Challenges in life have their way of creating a variety of emotions. When we experience a crisis, it can cause a person to get stressed, angry, perplexed, hurt, sad and this list barely scratches the surface. Many people will experience the lows of life and turn to the wrong places to satisfy the longing of their souls. The weight of bad news or the stress will cause the average person to crumble.

As you read in my most recent post, last week, our family found ourselves in the middle of a crisis. My sister discovered that she has lymphoma cancer. 

Our family has handled this news fairly well and it is simply because of our faith in Jesus Christ. I don't want to minimize what my sister has been diagnosed with. The reality is that God is in complete control. We rest in His sovereignty and perfect plan. The Psalmist wrote in chapter 46:1, "He is our refuge and strength, our ever present help in times of trouble." If He leads you to it, He will lead you through it. This understanding comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

When a person invites Jesus into their lives, they receive an eternal inheritance. This person goes from having nothing to having everything. From being an orphan to having a family. Colossians 1:21-22 says, "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation."

Then, it says in Hebrews 4:15, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness." Because of what Jesus went through for us, He is able to minister to us in our hurt. When we are in need of strength and encouragement, Jesus is able to be our supply. He gives strength to the weary. Those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength.