So what does true spiritual peace look like? Spiritual peace, that peace that surpasses all understanding (Philipians 4:6-9), is had when we are in communion with God, and dwell on things that He delights in. Does that mean that we won't have troubles? No! The Bible says that we will face various trials and trouble in the world. (John 16:33; James 1:2) But those trials test our faith, strengthening it so that we may be ever more like Christ. (James 1:3-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7) So what does true peace from Jesus look like? Well, first let's look at what the world views as peace.
What comes to mind when you think of peace? A quiet place, an escape, where you can just relax and throw your cares away, right? Well, let's picture a beach getaway where there's no problems, no storms raging, just clear blue skies with the sun shining brightly. Does that sound like the kind of setting that the Bible describes to us? (Matthew 24:9; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6)
You see, to those who don't know Jesus intimately, His peace seems to make no sense. Instead of a paradise island, a better picture instead would be a raging storm, and a shelter where you're shielded from it. The storm is still there, and all the problems associated with it, but you're able to make it through because of that shelter. It doesn't mean we won't get wet, or be cold, but there is hope to get through the night. It's not a perfect analogy, but one we can use for our purposes now.
Here's a picture of Jesus' peace. Parents have learned that their child has a very virulent form of cancer. The treatments are very difficult, but they somehow have a peace about the whole situation. They know that God is in control, and whatever the outcome, they know that He can use anything to glorify Him. They still worry about how the treatments are working, but they try to bring all of those concerns to God. Because they've given God control of the situation and they know that God is good and trust Him with the outcome, their burden is lightened. They have more peace. The average person could be devastated, and may start blaming God. Yet because they chose to glorify God no matter the outcome, they have more peace.
The peace that God has offered us with is so much deeper than my inadequate words could describe. Using words, one can't even scratch the surface of how much God has done for us. I simply praise Him for what He has done, and look forward to His continued work.
2 comments:
i just ran into a friend yesterday that i have not seen in at least 15 years. as we talked, i became aware that she was in the midst of some really difficult trials—beyond what i could imagine or fathom. i was amazed at her sense of peace and her evident trust in God—even right smack in the middle of all the crud she is dealing with. i can tell she is clinging to every word of God that she has claimed to believe over the years.
it helped me. so does this post. thank you.
I'm glad this could help. I follow another blog of a family who is also going through some really hard stuff. Following their story has been an example of true trust in the Lord through trials. I was thinking of continuing to do posts like this, as kind of like a bible study or devotional. It helps me get in the Word, if nothing else.
btw, if you could head on over to www.riggsfamilyblog.com, (it's the blog I referred to earlier) or just pray for Abby Riggs, their daughter. She has leukemia, and she and her family could use all the prayer we can give them.
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