BY PASTOR DALE L. HODGES
Storms of life seem to be common to all. Job talked about them in terms of trouble when he said: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1. My parents often ask this question: “What do people do who do not know the Lord?” The Psalmist David was one of the fortunate ones who knew the Lord, and said in Psalms 46:1 “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Even Jesus and His Disciples experienced storms, sometimes physical. Mark 4:37-39 “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he (Jesus) was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they (disciples) awake him, and say unto him, Master, caress thou not that
we perish? And he (Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
Does Jesus care about you? He absolutely does! “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7. “..not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. The good news is that “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8; And all power was given unto Him in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18. So what Jesus did for His followers back then, He can do for His people today. He cares; He understands; and He can bring peace in the midst of storms.
Drummond is credited for telling the story: “Two painters each painted a picture to illustrate his concept of rest. The first chose for his scene a still, lone lake among far-off mountains. The second threw on his canvas a thundering water fall, with a fragile birch tree bending over the foam; at the fork of a branch, almost wet with the cataract’s spray, a robin sat on its nest. The first was only Stagnation; the last was rest. For in rest there are two elements — tranquillity and energy; silence and turbulence; creation and destruction; fearfulness and fearlessness.”
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15. We often feel tired, tense, worried or frightened and as a result we allow
our hearts to be ruled by turmoil rather than peace. Philippians 4:4-8 encourages us to do certain things so that the peace of God can rule in our hearts and minds: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say,
Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Isaiah 26:3 says: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
In a world of wars and rumors of wars we need and can have peace. We can have peace in the midst of storms and trouble. We can have it because the Lord is the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6 and according to
I Corinthians 14:33 He is the Author of Peace. Knowing that He is the author helps us to understand why He includes peace in so many scriptures. Peace is an important part of many important subjects
throughout Scripture.
1 of the 9 Fruit of the Spirit is Peace – Galatians 5:22,23
1 of the 8 Beatitudes is the Peacemaker – Matthew 5:9
1 of the 7 Qualities of Wisdom is Peaceable – James 1:17
1 of the 6 Pieces of Armour is feet shod with..the gospel of Peace – Ephesians 6:15
1 of the 5 Names listed in Isaiah 9:6 is The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6
1 of the 4 Things we should follow is Peace – II Timothy 2:22
1 of the 3 Parts of the Kingdom of God is Peace – Romans 14:17
1 of the 2 Possessions of the spiritually minded is Peace – 8:6
1 ONLY There is only one Author of Peace – 14:33
There is only one author of peace and He has asked of us: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18. And: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no
man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. Sounds like a very important part of the Christian’s life to me, and yet it does not come easy.
The Lord goes on and tells us how He made peace in Colossians 1:20 “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross..” There you have it, our perfect example made peace by the blood of his cross and has asked us to be “peacemakers”: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of god.” Matthew 5:9. So, even though the Lord can bring peace in the midst of storms, He has asked us to be
willing to give of ourselves, even sacrificially if need be, to be peacemakers.
Peace is needed, not only in our world today, but in so many of life’s situations around us. Will you allow the Lord to use you to make peace? We should all want to do those things that please Him, and look
at the benefits: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7. “Now the God of peace..make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight. through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20, 21.
THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED BY GLEANER, APR, MAY, JUN, 1998, PAGE 3. THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.
