Friday, we talked about the persecution Christians will face. While most of us
won’t be imprisoned or martyred for our faith, we will be insulted or
ridiculed.
But God is our faithful protector in each and every situation. He miraculously
opened prison doors (Acts 12:7; 16:26), closed lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22), and
provided ways of escape, like Paul’s being let down in a basket. And even when
in the midst of suffering, He brings peace and joy (Acts 16:25).
We can be confident that, no matter what persecution we experience, our God
will be with us (Hebrews 13:5). He will walk with us, often carry us. And we
can know without doubt that even if He calls us to make the ultimate earthly
sacrifice, our reward will be heaven itself.
And while on earth, we know that persecution will:
“we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we may learn to
think less of ourselves; and we should ever strictly keep to truth, as in God's
presence; and should refer all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who is blessed for evermore.” (Matthew Henry Concise Commentary of the
Whole Bible)
I often speak on the topic of peace. We live in a very peace-less world. Wars
and rumors of wars. Depression. Anger. People hurting people. Children being
abused. Homeless starving.
It's a world of conflict and tumult. We're stressed, exhausted, and worried. We
speed about all day trying to get to the many items on our plates. We barely
have time to sleep and eat, and we certainly don't have time to nurture
relationships ... and frankly, for many of us, this time of the year is even
worse.
The time when we should be experiencing the "peace on earth" we sing
about, we find ourselves more stressed than ever.
Why? Because we don't spend time with the Giver of peace. We don't seek Him,
and we don't listen to Him. He promises to "speak peace" when we
quietly sit in His presence and hear what He wants to tell us. He promises to give peace when we ask.
This world is getting worse each day, but one thing remains constant: We can
feel peace, an all-surpassing peace beyond our human comprehension (Philippians 4:7). We only have to ask.
As 2013 winds down (and since I'm starting a new "year of psalms" on
Wednesday), today, I'm going to share an excerpt from a devotion book I wrote a
few years ago:
Often, I feel very, very weak—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The world
seems to be closing in, and I can’t seem to dodge the boulders being tossed at
me, right and left.
Often, I try to take on the world and its challenges on my own, and I feel the
weight crushing me, pushing me down until I lie prostrate on the ground.
I can’t do this, I think.
And I’m right. I can’t do this—on my
own, that is.
We humans are fleshly, fallen, frail creatures, and we don’t have the strength
to combat what this world throws at us. We truly are incapable.
But we do have Someone who can give us all the strength we need: our heavenly
Father. He promises strength to us. In fact, as the apostle Paul wrote, we “can
do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).
And along with that strength, He promises peace. He will bless us with peace.
Yes, we may be incapable, but He is more than capable. We can trust in His
strength; we can trust in His peace.
When was the last time you tried to handle the world’s challenges on your own?
How did it go? Maybe you’re trying to dodge those boulders right now. Ask God
to give you His strength to help you through.
Today, I'm going to do something a bit different ... I mentioned a few days ago that I was in a "perfect storm," and life was a bit hectic. I have so much going on with work (those nine simultaneous classes), and today, my body said (very clearly), "STOP!" So, I'm resting and taking it very easy today.
I was just lying on my bed and thinking of how God continues to bring me through my daily, ever-escalating pain, and the words of one of my favorite hymns came to mind:
When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea-billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say: It is well. It is well with my soul.
Then I went to YouTube to see if I could find a soul-touching version ... and of the many I found, this one did it. It touched my soul and made me lift my hands in praise. I pray as you listen, your heart and soul will be touched as well.
May the Giver of peace wrap His arms of grace around you. No matter what your lot is, may you be able to sing with me, "It is well with my soul."
Ahhh ... John 16:33 ... one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible. Jesus
had been speaking to His disciples of so many things as they sat together in
the upper room. He commanded them to love each other. He stated outright they'd
be persecuted. He warned them of His own death. He didn't pull any punches.
Yet, as He wound up this time of sharing His heart, He gave them these last
words that I imagine filled their hearts with hope. The Contemporary English
Version renders these words:
I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of
me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have
defeated the world.
Jesus wanted His disciples—both those He was with that night and those who
serve Him today—to live in peace, with an all-surpassing peace (Philippians 4:7, NKJV). He wanted them—and us—to know that, even though we would suffer and face
tribulations, we could know peace.
Some might read this verse and say, "How can we have peace if we
suffer?" I have two responses.
First, when we serve God, fully and completely, and when we trust His will, we
live with the confidence that He "causes all things to work together for good" (Romans 8:28). He uses even the most painful moments of our lives for His purpose and our growth. We are not alone in our pain. We
can have peace knowing that He is in loving control.
Second, we know the end of the story! Jesus has already overcome the world! Sin has already been defeated! Eternity is already within our grasp. This world and its pain and suffering is
temporary; our pain-free, tear-free lives are eternal.
We can have peace and courage when we follow Christ. We can cling to His
promises of salvation and eternal life because we know He loves us. More than
we can possibly understand.
Nothing quite touches my soul than the concept of peace. God-given,
all-surpassing peace. A peace that sustains me no matter the situation. A peace
that reminds me that this world isn't my home. A peace that will "guard [my]
heart and [my] mind through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7, NKJV).
I honestly don't know how someone who doesn't know Jesus has true peace. When
circumstances are painful or difficult, where does she find comfort for her
heart and soul? Through relationships? And what happens if those relationships
fail? Through drugs or alcohol? These can destroy. Through a career? Careers
end.
No, true, all-encompassing, never-ending peace comes only through a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. This peace carries me through days when the
pain and weariness are unrelenting. This peace covers me when earthly
relationships fall short. This peace showers me with hope of eternity with my
Savior.
And because of this beyond-understanding peace, I can rejoice. I can sing
"with thankfulness in [my] heart to God."
Do you have this peace? This peace that "surpasses all understanding"?
Surrender everything to the Lord. Give Him loving control of your life.
And then ask for peace. The peace of Jesus Christ.
For You have
maintained my just cause;
You have sat on the
throne judging righteously.
You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out
their name forever and ever.
The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins,
And You have uprooted the
cities;
The very memory of them
has perished.
(Psalm 9:4-6, NASB)
I
don’t know if David meant them to be, but these verses are quite prophetic. If
you read about the nations that fought against Israel in David’s time, you’ll
see that many of them don’t exist any longer.
I read these verses, though, and they become quite personal. I encourage you to read
them the same way.
I’ve had “enemies.” I’ve faced the “wicked.” I’ve been attacked and abused. And
even though I may not have seen it at the time, God always “maintained my just
cause.” He always had my back, as they say. And although my own enemies may not
have been destroyed, God has been gracious and has taken away the “very
memory.” Or should I say, He’s taken away the power of those memories.
God continues to sit on His throne “judging righteously,” and I’m confident
that one day anyone who hurt me, who hurt you, will be judged.
In the meantime, let God take the “very memory” of your own enemies from your
heart and mind. Let Him remove the anger or unforgiveness you feel and replace
it with His peace, His joy.
