BEING AT PEACE
25th Jan 2023
Paul had many trials and challenges, the lists in his letters of what he endured are quite alarming, and yet he was able to write to the believers at Philippi and say, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what not is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” (Philippians 4:11-12)
What a testimony! The challenge of keeping your place of faith when everything around seems to be falling apart is not easy. We have contact with a large number of folk who are experiencing battles of faith. We also hear of good things happening and many answers to prayer. The verse that was ringing in my ears a few days ago was, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
What ever is going on in your life at the moment God wants you to be able to maintain a place of peace. Fear robs you of faith. Anxiety increases stress levels. Jesus recognised the disturbance in His disciples when he told them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Later He told His disciples, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.”
I believe that living in peace and contentment, and maintaining your place of faith is the birthright of every believer, whatever is going on in your life or in the world around. Our lives are in God’s hands and we are not at the mercy of the latest crisis.
Another verse earlier in the chapter quoted above speaks about “the peace that passes all understanding” it does not say that all your problems will be resolved, but that in the middle of all that is going on God has supernatural peace that is His gift to you.
I love the verse in Psalm 119:165 which says, “Great peace have they who love your law, nothing can make then stumble.”
Life is not easy, however, God understands everything you are experiencing at this time and He is at work in your life, He will bring you through, and in the middle of everything He has His gift of “peace” for you.
by Charles Sibthorpe
