SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1130

“Peace Beyond Understanding”

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

World peace is an oxymoron. The world has not seen peace since Cain slew Abel. It is true that there have been periods of ‘cease fire’ that we have called ‘peace’ but deep rooted hostilities remained ready to erupt on a hair trigger.

Today is inauguration day and it is marked by razor wire, barricades, gas masks, body armor, and the National Guard. I never expected to see such a transition of power in the America I grew up in and fought to defend during my military service. We have to wonder what will happen to our country. Yet God says to us ‘Fear not’.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

The world is in turmoil because of the pandemic and its new strains. North Korea has revised its nuclear threat to challenge our new administration’s resolve. Our enemies watch with anticipation as our nation’s unity fractures. But God’s Word to us remains ‘Trust Me’.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. – Psalm 138:7

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! – Psalm 31:15

If the threat of Covid is not enough, we continue to deal with diagnosis of cancers and other health issues that need to be treated by an already over burdened health care system. Now, not tomorrow, not someday, now is the time to get in the Word of God and continuously seek His presence.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Psalm 105:4

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Life can be overwhelming right now. Anxiety wells up in us and further exacerbates health issues. A lot of hope is being placed in the Covid vaccine to return life to normal and bring ‘peace’ back into our lives. The truth is that the world cannot give you the peace you seek. True peace – peace that surpasses all understanding – is available to you right now in the midst of these tumultuous times through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Be still, and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

May you seek Him, know Him, walk with Him and know His peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7