Peace: January 2, 2014

TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 2, 2014

PEACE

DEFINITION:

State of calm; freedom from strife or discord.

SCRIPTURE:

I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

How do you maintain a sense of peace and spiritual balance when trials come your way? You may not now be experiencing a difficult time in your life so you feel comfortable in the way life is going for you. We warned our children often that they may be living with a sense of peace in their hearts but watch out, you will face a conflict soon --- not maybe but for sure. We can assure you storms will come, often without warning, and they can roll into your life with bounding blows.

As grandparents today we pray daily for our children, their spouses and each grandchild that our Lord will protect them from the evils of the world. We know that we live in an evil world and it is only through prayer and the protection of the Holy Spirit that we can expect our family to be protected. But be certain the storms of life will still come to each one.

There is only one way to face a conflict in your life and that is found in a close and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. We are reminded about our needed relationship with Jesus when we think of the words found in the old song we used to sing in church, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.” This is a vital and exciting truth: An unshakeable peace is available to you when you turn the eyes of your heart toward Jesus.

When adversity strikes one of your first reactions is, “Why?” Then you will consider what impact it will have on your life. These reactions are normal. The “why” we may never know and the impact is unavoidable. In Jesus we have the one who holds all comfort and security firmly within His grasp.

Many of us try to respond to adversity first with our own ideas of victory. But we cannot rely on ourselves; we need the comfort and peace in our hearts that we can only get from Jesus, when we decide to put it all in His hands, to get us through our times of adversity.

No one outside of God is equipped to handle our problems. He never meant for us to be strong on our own and we cannot manufacture peace in our lives on our own. He wants us to find courage, hope, strength and peace in Him and in His Word.

How many times have you wondered how you can change the feeling of anxiety that you get when under pressure? You first have to understand that anxiety is really the opposite of peace. Anxiety is the fan that flames the fires of doubt and confusion. Anxiety also has the ability to leave us helplessly bundled up in worry and fear and we then lose our spiritual focus and mindset. The key thus for overcoming anxiety and focusing on peace in your heart is to be in the presence of God.

Your family, children, grandchildren and spouse, need to be reminded daily to experience the peace of God in their lives one must be willing to lay down the anger that haunts them when someone has done something to wound them. Most children face a wounding situation daily. God knows the hurt received and wants to give His peace as He does His thing to heal your wound.

When something troubles you or a conflict, some sorrow, or situation comes your way it will either escalate into a major crises but if you will turn your eyes upon Jesus the peace of God will invade your heart. Learn to talk to Jesus, tell Him what your concerns are. Peace is not the absence of problems. Peace comes from knowing God is in control. He understands and knows that life can be difficult, but He alone brings comfort. His words to us are: “Peace be with you.”

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in II Corinthians 9:8.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work.

PRAYER:

It is my prayer that Your peace may saturate my life in all that I do. Help me to understand that Your peace is unshakeable. Thank You that I can rest knowing that You are in control. Thank You that Your presence and peace are sure and available to me for the asking.