The peace of God
Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:6-8
When a new year starts, most people are hopeful that life will get better as compared from the past year. But the problem is that most look around and will try to better themselves by changing their circumstances or their environment. From the text, David dealt with the same matter even in his time. The sad thing with what he was dealing in his time was that this people he was referring to use to believe in God. Yet they would rather live by sight and not by faith. David on the other hand was resolved in his conviction that true gladness and joy could only be found in God. His source of confidence and trust was on his relationship with God. With this trust in God, he experienced the peace and security not found anywhere else. As you face this New Year, there will be temptation to place your trust in the things of this world. When you do, you will find that these things are fleeting and temporary. You will also find that the pursuit of these things will lead to fretting and worrying that will result to loss of sleep and rest. Do not let what you know about God to not take root in your heart. If you are a child of God because you came to know Him in your heart as your Lord and Savior, you are to live by faith in Him. “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7-8). Living by faith comes only when you believe that God is Sovereign over all things and that He is control. If this is your resolve this year to trust Him more and follow His will for your life, then realize that He has these promises for you. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10). “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” (John 14:27). “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Blessings.
