The Peace of God's Word

I snapped this picture last fall when I visited the island of Santorini in Greece.  What a serene moment it was.  The weather was gorgeous, I was sitting on a restaurant veranda with friends, enjoying a sunset dinner.  Almost felt like I had no cares in the world.

Fast forward five months up to now.  The world is in an uproar, working to stave off a viral pandemic.  So much uncertainty. 

In the final days of Jesus' life and ministry on earth, He spoke words of peace to His disciples.  And He did so in a way that brings great solace to us today.  He said in John 14:25-27... “All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  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."

Jesus said these words because He knew the disciples would be tempted to fear and worry about their uncertain future.  We are tempted in the same way today.  The future is uncertain.  But the promise from Jesus is quite real:  He will use the Holy Spirit to remind us of Jesus' words, which include this promise of peace.

Jesus' words (aka God's words) in the Bible are eternal.  They are special.  God's voice to us is loudest and clearest when we read His Written Word.  So, during this chaotic and fear-filled time, let's keep going back to Jesus' words:  "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."  

It's somewhat popular right now in various Christian circles to expect to "Hear a special word from the Lord," or "See a picture from the Lord," or "Experience God's chatterbox voice."  Be careful with these vague teachings.  They may lead to emotionalism and false spiritual expectations.  God's voice is most clearly heard in His Word.  And what He has clearly told us, and what the Holy Spirit clearly reminds us of in His leading, is WHAT HE HAS ALREADY SAID IN HIS WORD, THE BIBLE.

For our present need of peace, His Word is clear: 
Hebrews 13:5... “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
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."
Psalm 118:6... "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Change

Change is hard.  There are a lot of changes happening this week with the attempts to forestall the spread of the Coronavirus.  Almost every large gathering is being cancelled.  Schools are being cancelled.  Entertainment events, sports events, meetings, even work-related gatherings.  It's truly March Madness.  And March Madness is cancelled!  How dare they.  Our lives are in fruit basket upset.  Change is hard.

I like this picture I took last summer at the Oregon Coast.  It's taken from Cape Arago State Park.  One of the reasons we like to hike the Oregon Coast so much, I think, is that in some respects the coast never changes.  The ocean waves keep coming.  The sand is always there.  Of course, there is always the beautiful changes of the seasons and the changing landscape over time, but the constancy of the waves keeps bringing us back.

In the same way, God never changes.  In the midst of difficult change, God remains the same.  We can count on His constancy.  Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."  All praise to Him!  Malachi 3:6 says, "For I, the Lord, do not change."  All praise to Him!  Psalm 102:27 says, "But You remain the same and your years will never end."  All praise to Him!  In theology we call this the immutability of God.  He is unchanging.

As I think about all the changes happening this week, I pray for all of us.  I'm asking God to help us not be worried or anxious or discouraged.  It will sneak up on you.  Just when you think you're doing fine, suddenly one more change will kind of push you over the edge into fear.  We tend to like routine; or at least we find comfort in routine.  So when the routine of our lives is disrupted, our peace slips away into fret.

Of course, the changes in church right now tempt me to worry.  I hate the idea of not gathering together on Sunday.  The decision to do that was the hardest decision we've had to make in our church plans in years.  And the uncertainty of the next few weeks and months will continue to tempt me to worry.  And not because I am fearful about getting the Coronavirus.  Not at all.  But rather, the worry of how this will affect the wonderful routines of our church. 

So, the temptation to worry is present.  You cannot deny it.  But we go to a deeper place with our faith.  We go to the deep places of God in His Word.  We listen to the voice of God by meeting Him in His Word, the Bible.  This is our solid Rock in the midst of change.

I love the words of James 1:17... "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  Not only is God immutable, but because of His immutability He will always bless us with His good and perfect gifts.  All praise to Him!

So, what changes are happening in your life?  Leave a comment if you feel so moved. 

Peacefulness

If you want to hear God's voice, read His Word.  If you want to hear God's voice out loud, read His Word out loud.  Today I take solace in knowing that Jesus is my PRINCE OF PEACE in the midst of this world's chaos.  I find that solace by meeting with God in His Word.  What are your favorite passage about peacefulness in the Bible?

John 14:27... "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."

Joshua 1:9... "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 94:19... "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Psalm 27:1...  "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 Timothy 1:7... "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."