Take a deep slow breath. Relax. "Father, you are so GOOD! Today, would you take the storms, large and small that are stirring in me, and declare a calm in my soul? Thank you for your faithfulness. Make yourself real to me today, in Jesus name, AMEN."
Holding His Hand
Peace. Elusive? Distant? Rare? Or is it available to us right now in growing degrees? Actually, it is your right as God’s child to be able to experience…even possess peace. Did you know it is your inheritance? Jesus said in one of his parting teachings that he was bequeathing something to believers… “My peace I leave you.” (Jn ) The Apostle Paul describes it as a part of our kingdom inheritance also: “for the kingdom of God is …in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 14:17)
One can only give what one possesses. Jesus’ birth was announced to the shepherds as bringing “peace on earth” Isaiah describes the Messiah as “the Prince of Peace.” Paul said, “He is our peace…” (Eph. 2:14). So it is no surprise that when a fierce storm stirs on the sea, Jesus says, “peace” to the storm and it immediately calms. It is the plan of God to speak “peace” into your chaotic soul and bring calm again.
Jesus’ agenda is so often different than our own. His wisdom is greater. His plans are more profound. The Jews expected Jesus to forcefully overthrow the government of his day and establish peace. But the plan was not to start from the top down, but from the inside out. In order to change a nation, the states must be changed. In order to change the states, cities must be changed. In order to change cities, neighborhoods must be changed. In order to change neighborhoods, families must be changed. In order for families to be changed, individuals must be changed… from within. God brings peace on earth by bringing peace to individuals like you.
The Good News of Peace
How do you get it? The same way everything else in God’s kingdom comes: by believing. It is in believing the truth about what God thinks about you and how God relates to you. Does God think you are a perpetual screw-up? When he thinks about you does He roll His eyes and sigh? Does His face turn flush with anger everyday at your ineptitude? You can never experience peace until you understand the profound change in the way that God views you.
I have more good news for you today! “When Christ came, He proclaimed the good news of peace to you…” (Eph. 2:17) When you put your trust in Jesus Christ and his substitutionary death for you, you were instantly “justified.” God began to treat you “just as if” you’d never sinned. The right standing that Jesus has with the Father is the exact same right standing that you possess. God is not angry with you! That is good news!
One of the Hebrew names of God is Tsidkeneu which means My Righteousness. His name reveals his nature. He gives you his right standing with the Father because He (Jesus) took away your sin at the cross and took your place in death. “He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (Rom 3:26)
That means that God is not at war with you. He is not fed up with you. Yes he sees your faults and shortcomings still, but he sees you as a son in right standing rather than a sinner who is an enemy of God.
Let that truth sink in. If He is not at war with you and there is peace instead, then you have the delight of God, all his favor and the fullness of the resources of the Father’s house at your disposal. You need not pray with your head hung low, or approach him with doubt that he will answer. He is FOR you, not against you.
Sharing His Heart
How does that make you feel? Peaceful? Wonderful? How does that make you see other Christians? If God is not at war with them, even when they have shortcomings, then how should you treat them today? Say something encouraging to another Christian today to affirm the good in them.
Thank you for your donation toward tithes, offerings or the building fund. "And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you will listen to the voice of the LORD your God." Deuteronomy 28:2
