God's Word has the miraculous ability to sustain believers in trials. There is no shortage of unwelcome and troubling news we receive, but a word from God draws our eyes to consider Him. God knows what we need even before we ask, and He also knows exactly what we need to hear so we can say with the faithful, "I have been greatly helped."
Yesterday in the morning I read through John chapter 20 after Jesus rose from the dead. Twice in the chapter Jesus addressed disciples who were afraid and did not believe, "Peace be unto you." What a gracious, compassionate, and merciful thing to say! They did not earn the right to experience this peace nor were they qualified by their courage. They had fled from the presence of Jesus during His arrest and Peter denied even knowing Jesus. Jesus kept the promise made previously in John 14:27 despite their folly: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
God's peace is always for us, graciously provided for our benefit. To experience the peace of God which passes understanding faith in Jesus Christ is required. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." As we lay aside worries and cast our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us the peace of God guards our hearts and minds. Our feet are shod with the "preparation of the Gospel of peace" though the indwelling Holy Spirit, even as shoes protect bare feet from sharp or hot surfaces. The Gospel gives us traction to stand. Jesus has declared "Peace be unto you," and the wise walk in it.
David wrote in Psalm 28:6-7, "Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him." Recalling and receiving the words of Jesus personally when He said, "Peace be unto you" has carried me along throughout the day. He didn't just say this to anyone but to the fearful, weak, confused, and overwhelmed--to people who followed Jesus who are a lot like me. If God be for us, who can be against us?
Yesterday in the morning I read through John chapter 20 after Jesus rose from the dead. Twice in the chapter Jesus addressed disciples who were afraid and did not believe, "Peace be unto you." What a gracious, compassionate, and merciful thing to say! They did not earn the right to experience this peace nor were they qualified by their courage. They had fled from the presence of Jesus during His arrest and Peter denied even knowing Jesus. Jesus kept the promise made previously in John 14:27 despite their folly: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
God's peace is always for us, graciously provided for our benefit. To experience the peace of God which passes understanding faith in Jesus Christ is required. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." As we lay aside worries and cast our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us the peace of God guards our hearts and minds. Our feet are shod with the "preparation of the Gospel of peace" though the indwelling Holy Spirit, even as shoes protect bare feet from sharp or hot surfaces. The Gospel gives us traction to stand. Jesus has declared "Peace be unto you," and the wise walk in it.
David wrote in Psalm 28:6-7, "Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him." Recalling and receiving the words of Jesus personally when He said, "Peace be unto you" has carried me along throughout the day. He didn't just say this to anyone but to the fearful, weak, confused, and overwhelmed--to people who followed Jesus who are a lot like me. If God be for us, who can be against us?
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