Sunday, July 14, 2013

Rest. Peace. Joy.

11The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

The word peace is defined as freedom from war, or the time when a war or conflict ends; a calm and quiet state, free from disturbances or noise; a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety. In other words, having peace is a sign that you are lacking in the things that oppress or depress you. It means that your lack of turmoil, conflict, hostilities or anxiety gives rise to serenity, clarity, hope and joy. It means you are no longer bound by the parameters established by unrest and angst. You are free.

The bible tells us that the Lord gives unyielding and impenetrable strength to His people. God’s gift of strength to us prevails against everything. It does not give way or succumb to the pressures around it. It stands against massive assaults launched by the enemy and does not cower or retreat when punches are thrown. God’s strength is impenetrable. It has no Achilles’ heel. It is fortified on all sides and designed by the power of God to withstand any attack. As if His strength weren’t enough, God then says that He will bless His people with peace.

If you are constantly waging war against the enemy, regularly on the defensive, or continually in battle without remedy or rest, there is a problem. Yes, there is a time to fight and stand your ground. There is also a time for rest and peace. Ask God for peace. The word of God says it is His blessing to you. It is God’s promise to you.

Have you ever seen a war ravaged building? It is riddled with shell casings, debris and holes. It lacks structural integrity and solid frame work. In other words, the building is fragile and easily collapsible. The same holds true for our soul. When we are ravaged by stress, worry or day to day tribulations in life, the spiritual integrity of our spirit is comprised. Without God’s strength or His rest, we will eventually collapse or implode. Without God’s blessing of peace, we cannot effectively handle life’s ups, downs and curves.

God wants to bless us and protect us from the hurtful things we encounter. He wants to be gracious to us and give us peace so that we are equipped to deal with whatever comes our way. It is the Father’s design that we come to Him in our brokenness and weariness. It is His desire that we would cast our cares on Him so that He can shoulder our burdens, ease our fears and strengthen our hearts. God is the ultimate source of comfort, encouragement and strength. His resources are limitless. He is the Father with outstretched hands. God is a god of peace and hope. The term Muslim means one who is of peace. God promises peace and rest to us when we need it most.

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

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