My friends, brothers, and sisters, I typically share little about myself in these posts. That, in fact, is intentional, as I want what I share with you to be about the MESSAGE and not about me. However, seeing that I feel this post is as much to myself as it is to you all, I believe a little bit about what’s going on in my personal life is appropriate. That being said, I will keep it short.
Due to medical issues and significant mental health concerns due to an onset of dementia, we had to place my mom in a long-term care facility in December of 2022. Due to “behavioral issues” we had to move her from a facility that was about a mile from our home to one that is almost an hour and a half drive from our home. Since being moved, we have seen a significant decline in her overall wellbeing. Cognitively and physically she is not the same person she was just a few short months ago. Over the last week, I have received multiple calls from the facility due to significant physical health concerns. In fact, she was sent out to the local hospital on Thursday night (last night as I am writing).
What I have come to realize is that while it might not be today, tomorrow, or this week, my Mom is dying. I want to be strong and spiritual and say, “It’s for the best; she is going home. She won’t be suffering anymore.” Etc.
But I can’t. My mom is dying, and I am powerless to do anything about it.
SO, it is with the above in mind, that when I woke up this morning the principle of God’s peace came to mind, and why I am writing this post for myself just as much as I am for anyone else.
If there was a question about the importance of peace in the scriptures, here is the answer. The word piece is found over 400 times between the Old and New Testaments. So, I would say that God thinks it is very important.
Such passages include the following, all of which are quoted in their entirity at the end of this post –
John 14:27. Phillippians 4:6-7. Isaiah 26;3.
Psalms 4:8 Numbers 6:23-26. John 16:33.
Romans 15:13. I Corinthians 10:13
Each of these passages is full of hope and promise, yet there is only one thing that is required of us, TRUST.
We must set our eyes, minds, and hearts on Him. When we truly see Him as He is, we will realize how big He is even in the midst of events and situations that seem insurmountable.
Just this morning, I read the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17.) While it is still a good story to share with our children, its message is so much deeper. The entire army of Israel saw Goliath not only as a physical giant but as a barrier that could not be overcome. The truth is, he was in their own strength. However, because David’s eyes had been the Father, his faith was strong, and He trusted not his strength or ability, but the might of His God. Because of his faith, he conquered the giant with a sling and a single stone. Bringing the Israelites not only military peace but mental, emotional, and spiritual peace.
What Goliath are you facing?
To know and experience peace is not having a perfect life without challenges and difficulties, it is to face those challenges and difficulties relying on and trusting in the Father as David did and having His peace in the midst of them.
No matter how overwhelming our situation may look to us, we can rest in Him and have peace because He has overcome the world.
In closing, let me share two final passages with you, which I offer as a prayer on your behalf –
“The Lord bless you and keep you; 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.” Numbers 6:24-26
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Peace in the Scriptures
John 14:27 NIV
[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
[3] You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Psalms 4:8 NIV
[8] In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Numbers 6:23-26 NIV
[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.” ’
John 16:33 NIV
[33] “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.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
[13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
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