In a world filled with derision, wars, and division, how can we speak of peace. Yet, the third fruit of the Spirit we are told is peace. “And the peace of God, which passeth understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). How? Note it says, this is a peace that passeth understanding. One that quiets the restless soul and comforts us amid the chaos of our lives. It begins with knowing Jesus Christ and His Love which reached forth to us, even when our hearts were at enmity with Him. He loved us first, before our selfish hearts could love Him. Forgiven, I find peace with God. As His Beloved, Redeemed Child, my heart discovers joy in Him as my greatest treasure. Then each step of this journey, He teaches me how to trust Him more. Therein, I know peace, even when chaos surrounds me.
Horatio Gates Spafford had learned of this peace which overtakes the soul in the hardest of times. Like a river of God’s Grace flooding one’s heart and mind pushing aside the desert of pain and sorrow. He had lost everything financially in the great Chicago fire. That same year, their son had died of pneumonia. Two years later, he planned a family vacation to England. Due to business meetings, he sent them ahead. He planned to join them. The ship carrying his wife and four daughters went down. Only his wife survived the shipwreck. As he crossed the Atlantic to join his wife, he wrote these words. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’”
Peace that Passeth Understanding
How with such tragedy and loss could Mr. Spafford write of peace? The key is found in the remaining verses-it is Jesus Christ. For in Christ, we know that this world is not our destination. Read on:
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Whatever circumstances we may face or trials in this life, we can peacefully rest assured in God’s love for us. Furthermore, we are assured that His love knows what is best, even when we do not understand. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Even when we cannot understand, we can trust Him. Therein, we know a peace that passeth understanding.
Concluding Thoughts
Next time, we will look at peace with others. However, it begins with having peace within our own souls with God. So many cry “peace, peace, when there is no peace”. Furthermore, they suggest band-aids to heal the broken heart of men. But alas the only one who can heal the broken heart of man is God himself.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; Because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts to Consider
The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy
Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit Love. How?
Perfect in Love Oh How Can it Be?
Is Your Fruit of Love Sweet or Bitter?
How Does God Prepare the Soil for Growth?
What Fruit is the Garden of Your Heart Producing?
How to Discern the Voice of God from Yours?
POEMS
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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