Divine PeaceSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: Come what may, let us place our steadfast faith in the Lord. He will grant us complete deliverance from all trials and tribulations that we face in our daily lives and grant us His divine peace in our life. After Jesus was crucified, died and was buried, His disciples were left in mortal fear. The doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). This peace that they experienced was quite different from ordinary peace.
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
The peace which the Lord gives is incomparable with anything. We do not have this peace in us always. We become depressed, agitated and wearied at the slightest pain. But when we stand close to Him, He grants us His enduring peace and grace.
"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10)
What a great assurance of joy it is to have the unchanging covenant of peace with us! This verse very often comforts me and makes me stand up steadfast and fearless amidst various trials and tribulations. When our beloved daughter Angel died, the Lord Jesus comforted me and poured His divine peace in my heart. His divine peace sustained me during all these years.
St.Paul's advice to the Ephesians church was, "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)
On one occasion, King David lost everything. His wives, children and followers had all been taken into captive. People rose against him and was prepared to stone him to death. He was left all alone and was greatly distressed. "But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" (1 Samuel 30:6).
King Hezekiah found himself in a similar situation (2 Kings, Chapters 18 and 19). When Rabshakeh, emissary of the king of Assyria, challenged him saying, "What confidence is this in which you trust?" he received no answer from King Hezekiah's men because the king had commanded them not to answer him (2 Kings 18:36). In fact, King Hezekiah did not know what to answer his enemy's challenge. But we read, And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. The Lord answered him at once, "Thus says the Lord God of Israel, 'Because you have prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard'" (2 Kings 19:20).
The Lord helped King Hezekiah and King David during their times of distress. He is alive even today. He is eagerly waiting to help you as well. Do not be anxious over anything. Come what may, trust Jesus! Seek Him with confidence and hold steadfast to Him. He will then surely help us in all our needs.
"Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice, and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel." (2 kings 19:22)
Sometimes people may reproach us and our ministry. While we minister in fear of the Lord, we are pained that they talk so ill of us and revile us. The Holy Scripture says that it is not we whom they reproach, but it is the Lord God, who directs us to the ministry, whom they reproach.
Dear friend, do not be anxious about anything. There stands always a great and mighty One beside you. He is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is our strength and our shield. He will fight for you and will bring you a great victory over your enemies. He will safeguard you in all circumstances. He will turn all your tears to joy, all your failures into great successes. He will dwell with you always. He will make His unchanging peace and joy to flow into your heart and your life. Let not your heart be troubled!
Prayer:
Gracious and loving Father,
When I am surrounded by fears, troubles, trials and tribulations. I am deprived of peace, joy and happiness in my heart and my life. There is no one to support me and help me to get out of my troubles and tears. Lord, You alone are my strength and my shield. Deliver me and make my tears turn into joy. Let Your divine peace flow into my empty and deprived heart and life. I make this humble prayer in the name of Jesus, our Lord.
Amen. |