Peace  

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. ~Mother Teresa

The news is filled with the tragedy of the shootings in Newtown Connecticut.  My heart breaks for the families who lost loved ones in such a tragic way and especially the many children.  I heard on the news this morning that there is a company that is manufacturing bulletproof backpacks for children.  I asked myself where does the violence stop? 

I would like to share some excerpts from a book I am reading called “The Fruitful Life” by Jerry Bridges.  I pray that it will help you as it has helped me.

“Our God is called the God of peace.  Peace should also be a part of our character because God has promised us His peace.  Peace is a fruit of the Spirit and therefore an evidence of His working in our lives.

Prior to our salvation, and because we were born in sin, our relationship with God was characterized by alienation and enmity (see Colossians 1:21).  We received His wrath.  Upon entering into a personal relationship with God through our faith in Jesus Christ and his death for our sin everything changed.  Instead of leaving us to the mercy of circumstances, He promises to work in all of them for our good (see Romans 8:28).

When tragedy occurs in our lives this usually forces us to turn to the Lord with all our hearts, and when this happens we experience His grace and peace.

Jesus when speaking to the disciples on the evening of His betrayal told them: ‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.’  (John 16:33)

In Matthew 10:29-31 Jesus tells us that not even a sparrow can fall to the ground apart from the will of the Father.  Even the hairs on our head are all numbered. No detail is too small that it escapes the Father’s attention.  Jesus now exercises that same watchful care on our behalf. 

The problem is we worry anyway.  Why?  Because we don’t believe.  We aren’t really convinced that the same Jesus who can keep a sparrow in the air knows where our lost luggage is or can find a way to pay that unpaid bill, or heal the hurt of lost loved ones.  We believe that He can deliver us through our difficulties, but we doubt he will.  We let Satan sow the seed of doubt in our minds about His love and care for us.

Philippians 4:6-7 is one of my favorite verses.  We are not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  The result promised when we present our requests to God with thanksgiving is not deliverance but the peace of God.”

If you are in the midst of a trial or tragedy make sure it is not deliverance you seek instead of peace.  Then look to the Holy Spirit to bring you that peace.  Peace is a fruit of the Spirit.  It is His work to produce peace within you.  Your responsibility is to come in prayer, asking for the peace and looking to Him for it.

Another reason we don’t have peace is as Peter tells us, be alert to the Devil, who prowls around looking for someone to devour. The Greek word for devil means “accuser” or “slanderer”.  As the prince of slanderers, he accuses man before God, but he also slanders God to man.  When we start thinking that God doesn’t love us or He wouldn’t have let this happen we are falling into Satan’s trap.  When we do this we assume those thoughts come from our own hearts so in turn we feel guilty for thinking such things about God. We then fight the wrong battle.  Instead of resisting the Devil, we try to deal with our own wicked hearts.  James 4:7 says “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, I feel the pain of the losses in the Newtown community.  Sorrow grows in my heart for the many children who died.  We humans have such a hard time understanding.  I pray that you will give me Your peace in the terrible circumstances that are out of my control.  Only You can help us in times like these.              

Scripture:   Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7