Peace amidst the trials. God’s peace!

If anyone ever did or does read my blogs/devotions please forgive my lack over the past couple of months posting I promise to do be more faithful. Love you all!!

It really should not matter what the weather is in your world or as to whether your friends stand with you during times that are stormy or sunny. But, It is usually in these times of adversity and trials that draw our faithful friends and family to us and then we become closer in all areas of life and more personally bonded with them, building longer lasting, closer relationships and deeper understanding of God’s peace that is beyond our understanding.

A very simple rule is found in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” It is as plain as the nose on our face. It really is surprising, if we are willing to admit it, how some of us love to worry. If we did not have something to worry about, we would feel very abnormal. Some Christians are laid-back in their attitude toward the problems of life. Others may be inclined to be careful about everything. But this plea really, applies to all of us. “Let the peace of God rule.” Let It. In other words, God wants to give us this gift of “my peace.” He wants His children to have rest of heart. He wants us to experience that for which the heart of man naturally hungers. It is not for the apostles only. It is not for preachers, solely. It is for every trusting believer in Christ. Everyone who is willing to trust God and have peace with God through Jesus Christ can also have the peace of God.

I have discovered it is the same way with Jesus. We will never really know Him in a personal way until we allow Him to help us in our hard times. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we are assured we will have hardship in our lives. It is inevitable. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." How awesome it is to know that with the troubles, we will also have peace as well.

Currently undergoing the most difficult time in my life, I have relied on my family and friends more now than ever. My family and friends have been a blessing to me and I have been uplifted with cards, emails, text messages, Music CD’s, sermons, books, and simple notes of encouragement. They have gotten me through days when I could not muster enough strength to get out of bed. I love you all and thank you.

However, beyond the generous, gracious love and support of family and friends, I have dug deep into my faith. A faith I strive to carry with me boldly, have always relied on and needed. However, through this particular trial, I met my sweetest and most faithful friend Jesus in a more personal way.

One of Ruth’s favorite Psalms was Psalms 91, and a reading at her memorial. Since this time, I got a profound message that dissected Psalm 91 and taught me how to come there to it in meditation as a reminder to me each and every day that “He is my place for safety and protection. My God in whom I trust”. That “under his wings I can hide” “nothing bad will happen to me. He will put His angels in charge of me to watch over me wherever I go”. “I can call on Him and He will answer. He will be with me when I am I trouble and rescue me.” I have prayed Psalm 91 daily and made it personal for me. It has sustained me.

A very dear freind sent me a little book called Words of Comfort with a card where she had written Psalm 34 in big letters. I looked up that scripture. Psalm 35:4 says: “I asked the Lord for help, and He answered me He saved me from all that I feared.” I found such comfort in those words. I do not consider it a coincidence that she sent me that scripture on that day. How could she know that specific day I was filled with fear? My faithful friend Jesus must have told her.

So, while I am waiting for the storm to pass. Perhaps you are weathering a storm in your life as well. I know the waiting is the hardest part. Rest assured in knowing there is a silver lining. Nothing is hopeless. Nothing. Every hurt can become a treasure. Every ending is the beginning of a fresh start. Every tear we cry is the watering of new growth. And the only moment that truly lasts forever is the one where we say yes. Yes, Lord, you are my faithful friend, my God in whom I trust.

So hold on. Hold tight. Find a Psalm that gives you comfort and peace (a peace beyond our human understanding and pray it everyday. Yes, life will sometimes fail you but your friend Jesus(found reaching in every needed direction of your life) wants you to have peace, peace through the storm.

In His love,
Sandy Perry
12/26/09