Benedictions of Peace
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Is there anywhere in the world that is experiencing PEACE? The media would definitely tell us no, but what do you say?
Are we searching for peace in a place that has a latitude and longitude attached? Is peace found in a moment of time? Does peace last forever? What is this thing called peace? How do we know when we find it?
It is much easier to describe those feelings when we don’t have peace because they are not pleasant. Those are the moments filled with anxiety, worry and stress. Our hearts are burdened, and we hurt. So, is peace just the opposite of that? Hardly!
Peace comes as the result of trust. No one can experience real peace without trusting in God. That is a bold—but true—statement.
When banks fail, money does not bring peace. If other countries threaten, do we feel safe? The Amber alert sounds. We are told of another mass shooting. Our spouse loses a good job because of downsizing. How can we experience peace?
Seeking Him and walking through every day with Him by our side is what brings us peace. Initially, we may react negatively to these happenstances, but our hand is being held tightly. There is nothing to fear. He knew this was coming and if we look carefully, we will see how He has been preparing us to trust Him.
In the middle of life’s avalanches, we can find peace. That inner knowledge tells us, You keep me in perfect peace for my mind is stayed on You, because I trust in You (Isaiah 26:3 ESV with liberties).
Perhaps the question is this: How much peace do we want? There will always be bumps in the road, but can we move past them without falling apart? As far as I know, there is only one pathway to peace and that is by walking the road of trust.
I’d like to believe that we will meet along that path somewhere.
Almighty Father, thank You for the Peace that only You can offer. Let us turn our ears away from the world’s kind of peace and focus only on You. AMEN.