The Lord Speaks Peace (Psalm 85:8)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 85:8

For quite a while now, these weekday devotionals have focused on books of the Bible, taking them verse by verse. This year, I’m going to shift a bit. Instead of entire books, I’m going to look at themes. The first? Peace.

For the next few weeks, I’m going to include entries from a devotional I wrote a few years ago on that very topic:

I was driving into work, minding my own business, when a pick-up truck decided to pass me on a winding road. Just as he passed me, a car from the opposite way sped around the corner. The truck swerved in front of me, and I slammed on my brakes.

My heart beating out of my chest, I cried out as I watched the car behind me come ever closer. Praise God, no one hit anyone else, but it took the rest of the drive for my heart to calm . . . and even longer for my spirit to calm.

I’d started the day feeling nothing close to peace. I had to ask the Lord to restore my peace, and He did exactly what the psalmist said He would; He spoke peace to my heart, reminding me that He is in loving control of everything.

How often do we allow circumstances or other people to take the peace that God has promised us? Just take it from our hearts? If we can stop and listen to God, and seek His peace, He will shower us with that peace. He will whisper words of comfort. He promises.

Think of a time when someone or something stole the peace from your heart. How did you feel? Did you stop to hear God’s voice? Ask God to speak peace to your heart right now.

Words of Comfort (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

So many times I need comfort. Either I’m in pain or I’m lonely or I’m uncertain. And I just need someone to give me a hug.

And sometimes—oftentimes—I feel very weak. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. And I just need a bit more strength.

Guess what? I have the great Comforter as my Abba. I have the Giver of strength as my Savior.

I’m never alone. Never.

When I hurt, I can crawl into my Abba’s lap, and He’ll comfort me. When I’m lonely, I can cry out to Him, and He’ll wrap His arms around me. And when I’m uncertain, I can pray for His guidance, and He’ll lead me.

And when I just can’t get out of bed because my body is so very weak, I can lift my hand and ask, “Lord Jesus, please hold my hand just a little more tightly today.”

And He does.

It's All In the Words (Ephesians 6:21-24)

Today's scriptures: Ephesians 6:21-24

Some of my favorite words are in these verses. Faithful. Comfort. Peace. Love. Grace.

And as children of God, we experience all of these from God 

God is faithful. Utterly, completely faithful. He is unchanging and constant. He has always been and will always be. He will complete His work in His time.

He offers comfort. He promises to never leave nor forsake us. He is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. When we hurt, He carries us.

He offers peace. We know we don’t need to worry or be afraid. Even in the midst of the storm, He’ll reach out a hand to pull us from the waves. And when we come to Him with our anxious thoughts, He’ll fill our hearts with that pace that surpasses human understanding.

He offers love. He loves us with an everlasting love. He loves us so very much that He sent His Son, part of Himself to save us from our sins, and to bring us back into relationship with Him.

He offers grace. Salvation isn’t about what I do. It’s about what He has already done. Because of His love for me, He grants me unmerited favor. He gives me something I don’t deserve: Eternity with Him.

All because He’s faithful, loving, gracious, and the Giver of peace and comfort.

He’s so very, very good!!

Green Pastures and Still Waters (Psalm 23:2)

Today's scripture: Psalm 23:2

When I read these verses, I have an instant mental picture of a meadow with lush, green grass. I see the breeze rustling the trees and just over a gentle rise comes the song of a gently flowing stream.

I see myself flat on my back watching cotton candy clouds as they wisp overhead.

Quiet. Peacefulness.

And then I hear a voice—powerful, yet kind. It’s my gentle Shepherd.

“Rest, My child,” He soothes. “Shed the burdens of this day, and come to me. Let Me take whatever is causing you pain and share the load.” (See Matthew 11:28-30.)

So many times I let my daily pain and suffering steal my peace. I forget that my Lord wants to give me rest. Spiritual rest. Emotional rest. Physical rest.

And I can go to those green pastures. I can walk beside those still waters. I can experience peace that surpasses my human understanding, if only I let go (see Philippians 4:6-7).

Abundant Blessings (Ephesians 6:21-24)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 6:21-24

Some of my favorite words are in these verses. Faithful. Comfort. Peace. Love. Grace.

And as children of God, we experience all of these from our Father. 

God is faithful. Utterly, completely faithful. He is unchanging and constant. He has always been and will always be. He will complete His work in His time.

He offers comfort. He promises to never leave nor forsake us. He is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. When we hurt, He carries us.

He offers peace. We know we don’t need to worry or be afraid. Even in the midst of the storm, He’ll reach out a hand to pull us from the waves. And when we come to Him with our anxious thoughts, He’ll fill our hearts with that pace that surpasses human understanding.

He offers love. He loves us with an everlasting love. He loves us so very much that He sent His Son, part of Himself to save us from our sins, and to bring us back into relationship with Him.

He offers grace. Salvation isn’t about what I do. It’s about what He has already done. Because of His love for me, He grants me unmerited favor. He gives me something I don’t deserve: Eternity with Him.

All because He’s faithful, loving, gracious, and the Giver of peace and comfort.

He’s so very, very good!!

Words of Comfort (Psalm 23:4)

I've been writing this devotional since 2006 and regularly each weekday since 2010. I'm blessed with a small, but faithful group of readers, and I pray each of you has been blessed. I've said before (and I'll say it again!) that I would continue to write even if no one read. Taking time to really dig in and meditate on God's word has helped to strengthen my own faith.

Every once in a while, though, I wake up, and my mind is mush (this happens far more frequently than I'd like!). Usually, if I pray and really focus, the Holy Spirit gives me the words. Today, however, I just can't seem to find those words about the verses I was to write about.

So, as I sit here, I realize that what I need to hear are words of comfort, words that remind me that my Lord and Savior is right by my side. You see, I haven't been feeling well lately. Most of you know that I deal with several health issues. The last few weeks have been rough. God, in His grace, has sustained me, and yet there are days when it's harder than usual. This is one of those days.

I spent some time this morning whining (transparent, aren't I?!), and then just laying everything at my Lord's feet, knowing He'll carry me through. Then I prayed. Just prayed, and the Lord reminded me of a promise spoken through the words of David. I learned them this way as a child:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4, KJV).

I love these words. Love them. It may sound melodramatic, but sometimes I do feel I'm walking through a shadowed valley. I can't see before me; the pathway is so dark. Then I remember: I'm not alone. My Lord is with me.

I like the New Living Translation of this verse, and it is these words that I'm meditating on this morning:

Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

I read these words, and I see a few things.

First, I will walk through dark valleys. The words "even when" are indicative of something likely to occur. It doesn't say if I do; it says even when I will do. Hard times are guaranteed.

The second point, however, reminds me that I needn't be afraid because my Lord is close beside me. I am never, ever alone. Never. I often say that not only is Jesus always by my side, there are days when He carries me, just as a shepherd carries an injured lamb.

The third point is that Jesus protects me. He protects me from the whispers of the enemy who would love to pull me away from the Lord. If you deal with chronic pain, you may have heard the enemy whisper things like: You know, if Jesus really loved you, He wouldn't let you feel such pain. I'm protected against these whispers because I know I will experience trials. This fallen, sinful world is full of pain and suffering, and I'm currently in this world. So, Jesus protects me from those lies by reminding my what the word of God says (verses such as James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7) about the purpose of trials.

The final point, and the one I cling to today, is that Jesus comforts me. I went through a Bible study about becoming more intimate with God with my small group earlier this year. I'd already had a visual about climbing onto my Abba's lap and sharing my heart with Him. The Lord gave me a new visual during this study. Just as John leaned against Jesus' breast at the Last Supper, I can lean against His breast and feel His heart beat with love for me. I am so comforted when I remember how very much He loves me.

I don't know where you are today. Maybe your mind is mush, and you just can't seem to find the words. Maybe you're walking that very dark path, and you feel alone. Maybe you're in pain, and you need comfort. Remember your loving Savior is with you. He will always be with you (Hebrews 13:5). He loves you more that you can imagine (Jeremiah 31:3).

Just lift your hand and say, "Lord Jesus, please hold my hand more tightly today."

And He will.