This Scripture verse is one of the most descriptive promises, as it portrays the
experience of the individual who trusts in God. It is a promise, in that each of us today
can rely on the Lord and know that trust will bring peace to us as well. While the theme
of this chapter is trust, in life there is waiting, suffering and failure (vs. 16-18) but God
holds fast His own, even through death (v. 19.)
Gratefully, Scriptures about peace bring us to an awareness that in the world we
have trouble, but the world has been conquered. (John 16:33) My favorite one, John
14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give
it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Sounds like a tall order for a
caretaker or anyone trying to find peace amid the chaos of life in varied places.
What does peace mean to you? Is it only the absence of turmoil or sorrow?
When the Lord says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” do you take this seriously?
We probably give some lip service to it and perhaps in the still hours of the night still
worry. Trust In the Lord needs to be tangible in that we lay down our burdens (even if
we take them up again later,) praying and believing that God’s love carries us, no matter
our fears or the circumstances. When we do not focus on the Lord, how easily we lose
this peace.
Obviously, God’s timetable is a lot different from ours and waiting is very difficult.
My life experience has taught me that God’s not in a hurry, though I admit I am. We live
our life forward and understand it backward. This might be the blessing of living a long
time, as wisdom shows us that God sees the whole picture, while we, only a portion.
Using our life experiences, and how often we have been rescued, we can journey
through life with a steadfast mind, that helps keep us in trust and peace.
I have journaled as prayer to the Lord for many years and at the end of my usual
lament, I write IYHL. (Meaning - In Your hands, Lord.) It is my proclamation of trust,
even though at times, I might take it back. Trust builds up slowly, until recognized how
often, God comes through, blessing us with a foundation of assurance through the
years. The answer to my prayers hasn’t always been yes and yet God’s love has helped
me accept His better path. By seeking quiet with the Lord and reading Scripture, it helps
us navigate our world and be strengthened by our Source. We take encouragement
from Mother Teresa, “We must drink deeply from the very Source, the deep calm and
peace of interior quietude and refreshment of God, allowing the pure water of divine
grace to flow plentifully and unceasingly from the Source itself.” We pray for the gift of
inner peace and trust each day.
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