Greetings to you in the name of the One who is the same – yesterday, today, and forever, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a beautiful late summer morning in the Kingdom! I think people are enjoying the change in weather, as everyone seems a little happier and brighter in spirit. At the same time I know this is a transition time, a seasonal adjustment that perhaps people have been looking forward to. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to open the eyes of your heart so that you may see his presence through creation and through other people.
This morning I opened up my daily devotional and the subject to consider is “peace”…as it refers to spiritual fruit. The theme of our devotions for two months is being – “Fruitful” and it is quite positive. The author has stated that peace is a result of having joy in our lives…and they both come from ‘love’. Then comes a quote: Joy is peace with its hat thrown high in the air and peace is joy with its arms folded in serene assurance – or put another way – “Joy is peace dancing. Peace is joy at rest” F.B. Meyer. ‘Peace’, I suppose is most noticeable in our lives at the times when we really need it…and what a ‘joy’ that is.
‘Joy at rest’ reminds me of two songs that deal with times in our lives when all is not what we want. First, “Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus – He’s the only one who cares and understands – Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Him – And you’ll know Him by the nail prints in His hands”…”. I can well remember singing that verse over and over during times when assurance was needed. The second song was written by a young man going through a broken relationship and he found ‘peace’ knowing there was a higher power offering guidance and comfort. The words, I’m standing in my Saviour’s shadow – He is watching over me … When I’m standing in my Saviour’s shadow – Where I’m supposed to be … When I’m standing in my Saviour’s shadow – I’m who I am supposed to be — Blake Shelton.
Now, I know that sounds good, maybe too good, but let me add another song. It was written and sang a long time ago…and still is! The words are powerful and strong, coming from a time when the writer was fearing for his own life. He found an anchor point in his life that allowed him to let his ‘peace’ erupt in ‘joy’. The words, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in who I trust — Psalm 91:1-2 NIV. It is a good song, full of hope and peace and joy. Some of you can even hear the chorus we sing – He will give his angels charge over me – Jehovah Jireh cares for me.
Can there be any better ‘peace’ than that that expresses itself in delight and ‘joy’ knowing within your heart and soul that God really is who He says he is and that He is able to respond to any and all situations in our lives…if we will love him enough to trust him.
Have a great day! Shalom!