PURSUIT OF PEACE
By: Whitney Northern
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
Psalm 3:3 NIV
How many times in our lives have we said to ourselves, “Maybe if I do this or that, then I’ll find some peace.” Or, “If I’d just stop getting in these conversations, reading these articles, watching these programs, I’d have so much more peace.” I can honestly say I’ve likely said something along those lines 100 times this year alone.
It’s as if we think the journey to peace is a checklist of “dos and don'ts” rather than a prayer and an act of faith through trust. Don’t get me wrong, finding peace requires action on our part, but it’s not nearly as hard as the enemy would like us to believe. Here is what I know to be true:
1. God offers us peace that surpasses ALL understanding.
And the peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV) Transcends means to go beyond the range of limits (Google Dictionary).
2. Jesus said ask and you will receive.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 NIV)
3. God promises His word will not return to him empty.
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NIV)
Heavenly Father, we come to You in thanks for all You’ve given us. Thank You for the protection of Your wings and Your constant provision. Lord, we ask that You shower us in Your peace. Be to us what You were to David in Psalm 3; be a shield around us. In chaos and in attack, YOU are our deliverer. Thank You for fulfilling the promises You give us in your Holy Word. Thank You for breathing life into this earth for us to hold on to. We give You all the praise forever. Amen.
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
Psalm 3:3 NIV
How many times in our lives have we said to ourselves, “Maybe if I do this or that, then I’ll find some peace.” Or, “If I’d just stop getting in these conversations, reading these articles, watching these programs, I’d have so much more peace.” I can honestly say I’ve likely said something along those lines 100 times this year alone.
It’s as if we think the journey to peace is a checklist of “dos and don'ts” rather than a prayer and an act of faith through trust. Don’t get me wrong, finding peace requires action on our part, but it’s not nearly as hard as the enemy would like us to believe. Here is what I know to be true:
1. God offers us peace that surpasses ALL understanding.
And the peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV) Transcends means to go beyond the range of limits (Google Dictionary).
2. Jesus said ask and you will receive.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 NIV)
3. God promises His word will not return to him empty.
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NIV)
Heavenly Father, we come to You in thanks for all You’ve given us. Thank You for the protection of Your wings and Your constant provision. Lord, we ask that You shower us in Your peace. Be to us what You were to David in Psalm 3; be a shield around us. In chaos and in attack, YOU are our deliverer. Thank You for fulfilling the promises You give us in your Holy Word. Thank You for breathing life into this earth for us to hold on to. We give You all the praise forever. Amen.