Peace is something that can be fleeting. We can feel completely at peace and in a breath it is gone. Why is it not a constant?
Peace from the world is fleeting. In part, because so many things, out of our control, affect our peaceful status. We can wake, get that cup of coffee. Take the dog out and meander around our castle grounds in the cool of the morning. This is peace.
Turn the television on, bring the internet up, or get that phone call. Instantly, peace is gone. Worry, anger, sadness begin to sweep over us like a veil of water. It seeps into all the nooks and crannies of our mind. Fretting and anxiety take the seat from peace. Peace recedes to a distant corner. We see it there, just out of our grasp.
Take heart. There is a peace that withstands even the most difficult news. This peace is not afraid of bad news. It does not flee at the first sign of trouble. It dwells within us. The source of unshakeable peace. Our triune God. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Together they bring peace. Together they defend us from a fallen world. Together they shield us from the enemy and his spirit buddies. Lest we forget, they go about, trying to devour the beloved of God. Their marching orders every morning? Make those Jesus people crazy!
The Son, Jesus, has met the enemy. He has defeated the enemy. His enemies, are our enemies. We have a blood covenant with Jesus, that makes that a true statement. He defends us and we defend Him. He stands up against the world on our behalf and it is our responsibility to stand with Him. Does He need us to defend Him? No, He does not. Does He desire that we speak about Him as a normal part of our day. Yes, I believe He does. The mere mention of His name…Jesus…summons peace and scatters those bad guys.
It may feel like peace has left us but we must not believe that lie. If Jesus is with us always, then His peace is with us. Always. Not the world’s peace. His peace. The peace that passes understanding. The peace that grazing sheep have when the Shepherd is watching over them. The peace that is available at 2:00 am when sleep evades us with the worries of the previous day or the concerns of the day before us. The peace that comes when we say, “Hello Father.” He is instantly at our side. The peace in the midst of decision-making that suggests…”This way, walk this way.” Our 24/7 Counselor, The Holy Spirit.
We should arm ourselves with scripture for the day. Prayerful conversations with the Father to guide, guard and protect us. The still guidance of the Holy Spirit to make wise choices in our thoughts, words and deeds. We are blessed to hold to the peace that is not of this world.
Shoulders back, head up, meet the world today with the Triune God and peace. If we belong to Jesus, then we do not go anywhere that He is not with us. Our silent partner, our defender, our strength, our assurance, our courage. Don’t leave home without Him.
Scriptures For Today:
John 16:33
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT)
Psalms 16:5-8
5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. 6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! 7 I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (NLT)
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We desire Your peace. Your lasting peace. Not the peace of the world. We pray for calm to prevail in all circumstances. Your Peace when we walk through storms. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.