Promises of Peace #30

We've talked a lot the last few days about the motives, attitudes, and desires that underly the life of peace. We have also noted more than once in our study, that we cannot create peace, but we are to seek to facilitate it.  Paul wraps these thoughts up nicely in our last passage: Colossians 3:

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 

Having done all we can to check our heart attitudes and motives toward one another: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, more patience, forgiveness and a whole lot of love, when it comes down to it, we need to let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts - to be and do what HE has called us to do. In other words, if we're not letting this happen, we're getting in the way of God's plan, and there is no way there can be peace when we get in the way of the God of peace. 

Promises of Peace #29

Yesterday, we heard Paul's words to Timothy about how needless debating combats against peace. James digs a little deeper on the subject in the last paragraph of chapter 3:

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Check your attitudes, toward yourself and others. A wise person - one living by God's plan and instructions - is characterized by meekness and humility, and is not driven by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition - the first being our motives toward others and the second being how we feel about ourselves. These motives lead to arrogant speech and deception. These motives and their symptoms are Satanic in origin.  What has Satan always done since the beginning? Disturb the peace: starting war in heaven and disruption in Eden.  This leads to chaos and further sin against others.  So, what should characterize our motives and attitudes? Purity, Peace-loving, gentleness, teachability, mercy, goodness, impartiality, and sincerity. When these are our pursuits, relationship will be right, and we will have an atmosphere of peace.

Promises of Peace #28

Paul knew the time of his passing was fast approaching. So as he thought about what was important for him to pass on to younger believers like Timothy, peace was one of those principles. II Timothy 2:

 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant[e] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness.

Nothing will disturb peace of soul like blatant sin, and the only way to flee from it is to run the other way and pursue godliness: righteousness, faith, love, and peace, and to do so in the fellowship of believers, so there are others to help keep you accountable.  Then, in our relationships we need to avoid behaviors which disturb peace among the fellowship of believers: needless debating and quarreling - all these do is divide and take away any opportunity we may have to speak accountability and correction into one another's lives.  In other words, we need to make sure our confrontations count. If there is any situation where peace seems strained for a time, it is one which leads to greater peace among God's people.  How devoted are you to peace in your life and your relationships?

Promises of Peace #27

In Ephesians 2, Paul talks about how at one time they has been separated, alienated, and actually in a hostile relationship with God. But that has all changed:

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 

We have talked before about how peace is something we all need and long for, and are to pursue, yet cannot generate or create on our own. It must come from God His way, and His way is through Christ. His payment for our sin was the price of peace, which took care of the separation and alienation. His righteousness - perfectly carrying out God's law to God's pleasing, replaces our hostile disobedience. What Christ has done has not only brought peace between us and God, but is powerful enough to bring peace between us and others with whom we are alienated, separated, and even hostile. That is the truth about Church. May we live in peace with God and one another. 

Promises of Peace #26

Probably the best-known blessing in the Bible is found in Numbers 6:

22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’
27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” 

Notice what the bottom line blessing is: peace, shalom, that realization that all is well. How do we get there? The big thing in this blessing is that it comes from the Lord. He blesses; He protects; He looks at us and the brilliance of His glory shines on us; He gives us far more than we deserve; He proactively turns His face and looks at us, and says "here, My peace I give to you."  Finally, the power of God's peace is felt by the fact that God calls us His.  That is the place of blessing; that is the place of peace: being His people. 

Promises of Peace #25

Isaiah 41:10 is one of those powerful promises of peace that we isolate to a poster or the front of a greeting card, which is really much more profound when we back up and consider the context, to verse

5 The islands have seen it and fear;
    the ends of the earth tremble.
They approach and come forward;
6     they help each other
    and say to their companions, “Be strong!”
7 The metalworker encourages the goldsmith,
    and the one who smooths with the hammer
    spurs on the one who strikes the anvil.
One says of the welding, “It is good.”
    The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.
8 “But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All across the world we have people creating their own gods, their idols. They all gather around and say "oooo, ahhhh", approving each other's work, then nailing it to the table so it doesn't fall over.  But God's people are different. God says: "I chose you to serve me; I called you to be My people. I am not stuck, nailed to the table. I can go everywhere and do anything. Stick with Me, and you will have peace, not fear. I will give you all the strength, help, security and stability you need.  

Promises of Peace #24

 

After ending chapter 42 on a note of Judgement, God continues on in Isaiah 43 with a contrast:
But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior

To be sure, this was a particular promise to Israel, as they were looking for hope as they were going through a very difficult time of suffering for their sins, but there is a similar hope and peace we can have as the people of God in Christ.

God is our Creator, both physically and in making us a new creation in Christ, who is our redeemer. He has "bought us back" and made us His own. Therefore, we will not go on without Him. He will be with us. The picture here of the waters and rivers was of course very significant in their history, as more than once God had brought them through the waters on dry ground.  Now, their cities would be burned and destroyed; they would lose and leave everything behind, but God promised to spare them. Why? He was Sovereign Lord and their God; He was Holy God, and He was their Savior. He has not changed. We can be at peace in our hearts knowing: He is Lord; He watches over His people; He delivers. 

Promises of Peace #23

This week, as I've been looking back on the blur of these last three weeks, and the overwhelming thoughts of the next three months, I have found myself stopping along the way on this familiar verse from Psalm 23: 

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

David's picturesque speech was very literal and personal. As a shepherd and a warrior on the run he had been in those valleys of danger and death, not knowing what may lie around the next bend, covered with darkness and uncertainty. Yet, he had this peace from God that overcame the fear; he knew that God was with him.  How? Was God whispering softly to him? Was God giving him a soft bed and warm fuzzies? No, he felt God's rod and staff - that hard hook that would grab him around the neck to redirect him, that prodding pole that would get his attention to watch where he was going. These were not mean-spirited jabs and jerks, but loving taps and tugs that would remind the sheep that the shepherd was right there watching over him or her. That assurance of safety and security gave all the comfort that was needed to go through the valley and beyond.  That's what we have in Christ. 

Promises of Peace #22

A few days ago we were in this longest of the Psalms, Psalm 119, and we noted it's focus or forming our lives around the Word of God.  In the next to last stanza, the Psalmist says:

165 Great peace have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.
166 I wait for your salvation, Lord,
    and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
    for I love them greatly.
168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,
    for all my ways are known to you.

We've been talking all month about this peace that only God can give. Here it is qualified as Great peace, the peace that passes understanding, the peace that almost defies description. It comes to those who love what God has to stay. It gives the mental, moral and spiritual stability needed to navigate life. Peace comes to those who wait, follow, obey, and keep on obeying God's instructions.  Why should we so wholeheartedly trust God's Word?    for all my ways are known to you. God knows everything, and He knows me. I can be confident He knows what He's talking about, and I realize He knows what I need to hear.  May we learn to love His Law and find His Great Peace. 

Promises of Peace #21

 

In Psalm 62, David talks to us about the peace that goes deep to the soul:

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault me?
    Would all of you throw me down—
    this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 Surely they intend to topple me
    from my lofty place;
    they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
    but in their hearts they curse.
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Notice first of all how David sees himself: a leaning wall, a tottering fence - already falling over and easy to knock down.  David does not see himself as indestructable. And there are plenty of people ready to give the push; they want to see him fall.  Yet, David has peace; his soul is at rest; he is confident and secure. Why? God is his Rock, his Fortress, his Saving place to stand.   Therefore, he is able to say: Truly... truly, I will not be shaken.  May we be able to say the same. 

Promises of Peace #20

Whenever I open to I Peter, there is a seriousness that enters my heart and mind, as I know these words were written to believers who were truly suffering - not just the general trials of this life, but for their faith. In chapter 3 Peter reminds them, and of, of our calling:

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.

Here we see a brief summary of some of those characteristics of Christlikeness we saw the other day: sympathy, love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, a devotion to oneness - these are all a part of our calling as Christ-followers together.  And once again, special warning is given to beware the temptation for revenge; it is the great peace killer.  Peter then uses as the basis for his exhortation that Psalm we have seen twice: Psalm 34. introduced by these words: because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  This is a promise to us as we live our this calling: Seek peace and pursue it, and we will find it: peace will be our blessing; we will love life; our days will be truly "good" - not easy, not without suffering or opposition, but meaningful, purposeful, and full of the presence of God. May you have a peaceful day. 

Promises of Peace #19

Many of us recognize Psalm 119 as the longest  Psalm, which focuses on forming our lives around the truth of God's Word.  In the tenth stanza the psalmist says:

73 Your hands made me and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
    according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
    for your law is my delight. 

Notice what he says: "Lord, you made me.  You gave me the ability of heart and mind to comprehend and obey Your Word. I have chosen to trust what You say. I believe you ways are right and that You Yourself are good." Then notice this in the middle verse:  and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. God - not out of meanness, or apahy, or any evil intent, but in consistency with His love and goodness, had allowed something harmful to come upon him.  As a result, the psalmist asks God for His comfort, compassion and continued direction in his life, this life lived following God's Word.  That is the life worth living; that is the life of Peace with God - knowing that even in the darkest hour, He is good; He is right; He loves and cares for me; He is there for me, so all will be well. 

promises of peace #18

Peace is Part of a Package Deal.  That's the picture Paul paints for us in Romans 12:

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position, Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Living in peace happens where these other attributes are found: sincerity, purity, devotion, honor, commitment, servanthood, joy, hope, patience, generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, empathy, humility, honesty.  It is after all these characteristics of Christlike behavior that Paul says: 8 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do everything you can, all these things, in order to help form this atmosphere of peace.  Then, the opposite: taking revenge, judging and seeking to punish - doing that one thing can undo all the above and disturb the peace.  How many times have we seen relationships, churches, families ripped apart, seemingly hopeless to put back together again, because one or more parites decide it is their job to play judge?  Paul gave us this stern reminder: "that's God's job, not yours. If you decide to do it, you're not doing all you can to live at peace with everyone." 

Promises of Peace #17

 

So far in our study on peace, we have seen this balanced perspective: we cannot make or create peace; neither do we earn it or deserve it on our own: God gives it to His people when we entrust ourselves to Him. On the other hand, we are responsible to maintain and atmosphere of peace, to seek it, to pursue it, to not disrupt the peace for ourselves or for others.  Paul talks about this reponsibility in Romans 12:

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 

Develop a sense of responsiveness to the Holy Spirit in this area. Sincerely seek His conviction of what is sin for you, and avoid it like the plague; otherwise you will have guilt, not peace.  Ask Him to reveal any way in which you are being unloving and "disturbing the peace" in or actions, and how they affect others. Keep in mind what the Kingdom is all about: a shared righteousness, a shared peace, and a shared joy. It is when we live this way we are at peace with God and with others.

Promises of Peace #16

As we have seen, Peace is a Gift from God in Christ. We cannot create or deserve it, yet we are to seek and pursue it.  As Solomon says in Proverbs 12, pursu
ing peace is the wise way to live: 

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
    but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
    but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.

It starts in the heart, with our motives, on what and how and why we say what we do. Planning peace is an investment, which yields positive results in our lives and relationships.  When we wisely weigh our words, and plant thoughts of peace, there will be a strength and stability in life that prevents chaos and anxiety, and causes joy and delight.  Let's carry out God's peace plan today.

Promises of Peace #15

We've talked about the fact that peace is not something that just happens, but that we need to puruse and strive for. Yet, it is not something we can generate on our own. Not only are we powerless to produce it; we are in poverty too much to pay for it. We see that clearly in Isaiah 53:

 4 Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah helps us step back and see things objectively: Christ has carried the load, endured the punishment, suffered for our sins, been crushed under the load.  He then rose up again, stood up again, and handed us this gift of peace with God.  We feel none of the effects - no grief, sorrow or pain only the overwhelming peace that God provides. This is one powerful promise of peace. 

Promises of Peace #14

We saw in Hebrews the other day the writer's exhortation to these struggling believers to remember and cling to the peace God offered them in Christ.  In the last two chapters he gives a number of challenges to them, like in chapter 12:
14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

It is our responsibility to help maintain the spirit of peace among the people of God. What detracts from it? Impure living that affects everyone around us, bitterness that settles in and festers, pulling us apart; immorality which gives in to selfish satisfaction for temporary fulfillment.  Peace requires thinking in terms of the long haul, the consequences of our actions, and the ultimate goal: the eternal glory of God.  Peace is not shallow; it is not short-lived; it is not selfish.  It's something for which we must strive. 

Promises of Peace #13

Sometimes, when we are struggling to find peace, nothing helps more than those old faithful passages, like Philippians 4: 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Sometimes we just need to set our minds where they need to be, let our voices say what we know is true, and let the God of Peace fill us with the Peace of God as we give Him control.  

Promises of Peace #12

(Please note: the passage listed for today on the calendar was covered on day 7)

The writer of Hebrews was addressing a group of believers who were tempted to give up in the struggle of their faith. They were being persecuted and were beginning to forget how faithful God had been to them. In the closing paragraph he offers them this blessing and benediction: 

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Remember, God is the God of peace; He is the very source of peace; you will find it nowhere else. Remember the One Who has made peace possible: the Risen Christ, and His powerful blood.  Remember that this Covenant of Peace is eternal - not just for this life, not just for a few, but for eternity with God.  Remember that now you can live a life to please God - which gives us that sense that all is well, that God is not done with us, that we do have His peace.  Don't give up on the life of peace God has promised for you; He is always there, always true, ready to work in and through you, walking you into Eternity. 

Promises of Peace #11

 In his lengthy response to Job, Eliphaz holds forth the sovreignty of God, and mankind's failure to often grasp it, leading to this exhortation in Job 22:

21 “Agree with God, and be at peace;

    thereby good will come to you.

22 Receive instruction from his mouth,

    and lay up his words in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty you will be built up;

    if you remove injustice far from your tents,

24 if you lay gold in the dust,

    and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed,

25 then the Almighty will be your gold

    and your precious silver.

26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty

    and lift up your face to God.

Peace comes when we agree with God. That means we must first believe that God is right and God and be trusted and obeyed. It means we believe God has our Good in store.  Once we decide on the above, then we will seek and follow His instructions. We will also strive to remove what is displeasing to Him from our hearts and homes. Finally, we will make His priorities our priorities, seeking God more than Gold, finding our delight in Him.  Then that will open up  a whole new world of Peace, where we "lift up our face to Him" - have a whole new sense of fellowship with Him, which increases our fellowship with Him all the more.  May we start today "agreeing with God" and finding His peace. 

Promises of Peace#10

Psalm 4 is one of those typical Psalms of David, which begins with Him calling out to God:

 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

By the time we follow David through this psalm (Well worth the read), we are brought to the point where we can embrace his conclusion at the end of the day:
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

I know as many of us have been calling out of sickness, we are finding God's daily grace sufficient. May we all be able to say that last verse with David at the end of today: 

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Promises of Peace #9

In Romans 8, Paul is making a stark contrast between a life lived to please and honor God, and one lived for the flesh. It begins with where one "sets his mind."

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Notice the characteristics on the mind set on the Spirit: a desire to willingly submit to and please God, an openness to the Spirit's guidance, with the result of true life and peace. Note that it is very much an either/or situation.  If we want peace, we cannot choose or pursue anything that leaves God out.  Without Him there will be no peace.

Promises of Peace #8

In I Corinthians 14, Paul is wrapping up a series of corrections and warnings to this church that had several issues that disrupted their services, caused division in their relationships, and distracted from God's glory through the church.  Things were out of control because everyone wanted to talk at the same time.

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

When we gather together as God's people, one of the things we all are wanting is peace.  That doesn't mean that we always want everything deathly quiet, but that there is no vying for attention, or distraction, or something that doesn't seem quite right.  As often is the case, Paul brings us to the very character of God to support what he is saying: 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. May we seek after peace in every way in our worship, our relationships, and our growing into Christlikeness. 

Promises of Peace #7

Psalm 27 begins with one of the Psalms best-known statements:

 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
    to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
    it is they who stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

We saw yesterday in Psalm 34 how David found peace after one of the most fearful and noisy experiences of his days on the run from Saul. Here again he talks about enemies surrounding him, pursuing him.  But He is not intimidated by that.  Why? Rather than taking refuge in a kingly court or mighty fortress, he has chosen to take refuge in the Lord's presence. One of the things David missed when he was on the run was the ability to go to God's house to worship. That's why later he was so committed to the building of the temple. Of course it was not the building, but the presence of God he sought. David knew where true peace, safety and security were to be found, and that's where he firmly put his trust.

Promises of Peace #6

Psalm 34 has aa fascinating title and background. David was on the run from Saul; he was so scared that he took refuge in the palace of a Philistine king. In order to not be viewed as a spy, David pretended to be crazy, so he would be viewed as harmless. Finally, the king drove David from his presence, and he was able to escape to a place of safety.  David summarizes the lessons learned this way:

11 Come, O children, listen to me;
    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is there who desires life
    and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
    and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
    seek peace and pursue it.  

If you want to experience peace, shalom, that sense that all is well, you need to pursue it. That means at the same time that you run away from evil.  There is no peace for those who cannot tame their tongue. It is our mouths that often destroy peace; peace will only rule and reign where grace and truth are.  

Promises of Peace #5

Psalms is not the only place we find songs in the Bible. On a number of occasions, the prophets record songs that will be sung. Like Isaiah 26:

  In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
“We have a strong city;
    he sets up salvation
    as walls and bulwarks.
2 Open the gates,
    that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
3 You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

For the people of Israel, seeing the rebuilt city of Jerusalem was greatly anticipated. There they would find peace and security in the presence and salvation of God. They would stand at the gates and wait to enter in. That picture has deeper spiritual ramification.  The Lord is our Solid Rock, the Everlasting One. He will always be there. He will open the door and bring us in to a place of peace for our hearts and minds. It's not a matter of will He be there? Or will He be able to keep us safe? It's a matter of will we trust Him, and will we keep on trusting Him? He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him.

Promises of Peace #4

Yesterday we noted that peace is not something we can just create or snatch out of the air. I comes from a proper relationship with God. In Psalm 85 the theme is God's faithfulness to restore his repentant people. 

 4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
    and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
    that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
    and grant us your salvation.
8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
    for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
    but let them not turn back to folly.

A key ingredient in revival is peace - knowing that we are right with God, and that everything will be okay. That peace only comes when we call out to Him to intervene, and then wait upon Him to answer. When He does, he will speak peace into our lives. In the last verse we read there is a warning: Once we receive this peace, we can forfeit it by turning back away from dependence and obedience to Him. The more we experience His peace, the less we will want to be without it.  

Promises of Peace #3

Psalm 32 is a companion psalm with Psalm 51, both of which contain lessons learned by David about confessing and finding forgiveness.  

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
    offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
    they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
    you preserve me from trouble;
    you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.

Like we saw yesterday, God promises His people to be there for them, even in the flood of adversity, to protect them. Our verses here have a similar picture: God will keep us from being swallowed up by the waters. But once again we need to consider the context: David has prefaced this exhortation by His personal experience of acknowledging his sin, not trying to cover it up, confessing what he had done. Then he was able to experience this promised peace, even in the storm. If we are having trouble finding peace, one place to always start is to ask God if there is any way we have tuned Him out, turned away, and gone the wrong way. Then, like David, even if we are surrounded by enemies, we can have God's peace. 

Promises of Peace #2

In II Thessalonians 3, Paul concludes his letter with one of the most general blessings of peace we find: 
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Paul is praying at all of them will have peace all the time in all settings and situations. But what is it that brings him to this blessing? Let's back up and look at the verses before:
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

There will be peace, Paul says, as long as you are giving toward one another, and d not disobey what we say.  What was it that Paul had instructed them in the verses before? Do not disturb the peace by being busybodies. If you want to get your nose into one another's business, find ways to be generous to them. Work hard so you have something to give. Peace is not something you can just pluck out of mid-air. It is the result of trusting God, living out the creativity He has given you, and finding ways He can bless others through you.  Don't blame others for disturbing your peace; be an active proponent for peace by loving others. 

Promises of Peace #1

 

What an appropriate verse for the day with widespread flood warnings all around us! Psalm 29:
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
    May the Lord bless his people with peace!

We were in the earlier verses of this psalm last month, when we were learning to listen to the voice of the Lord, which speaks loud and clear through His Word, His Son, and His Spirit.  This closing stanza shouts with His sovereignty as the main reason we can have peace in the midst of the floods and storms of life. When (not if) those storms come, and the waters rise around us, we will find our Lord and ourselves on solid rock, where we will find strength, and the peace that says: "all will be well." Every time. Even if everything around us is washed away, He's not going anywhere.