"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4: 8
A lot of us are having trouble sleeping these days. We are struggling and see a future that perhaps will be full of many more struggles, many more sorrows. We know in our head that Jesus promises to be with us, to give us peace, but we just aren't feeling it.
Worldly Peace
The world tells us that we can only have peace when everything is calm. The world tells us we can only have peace when there are no struggles, no worries, no bad times. Jesus offers us a different peace. His peace is everlasting. His peace doesn't depend on emotion or events. Jesus says, in John 14: 27, that the peace He gives is not worldly peace. We should not be troubled or afraid when we rest in His peace.
Prince Of Peace
This peace comes to us through the Holy Spirit. He indwells us and makes us one with Christ. His peace truly becomes our peace. This is not the world's peace. Isaiah describes Jesus to us hundreds of years before He was born this way,
"...His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9: 6
Why does Isaiah describe the Messiah as the "Prince of Peace"? Because through Jesus's death and resurrection He restored our broken relationship with God the Father.
But there's more. The Holy Spirit allows us to have a peace, a joy and a love that is impossible in this world without Him. Galatians 5: 22-23 tells us that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
Fruit of the Spirit
Our peace is a fruit of the work of Christ in us. One reason fruit trees don't produce enough fruit is "inadequate sun exposure". Are we like the trees? Do we have "inadequate Son exposure"?
In the old hymn, "It is Well" the writer pens these words,
"For me it is Christ, it is Christ now to live!
Though death's waters over me roll,
No fear shall be mine, for in death as in life,
You will whisper your peace to my soul."
Claiming Peace
So in all circumstances let us pray for that sweet peace that is offered to us and given so freely, but not cheaply. Our Lord bled and died to be our Prince of Peace. When we lay our heads down at night, we should claim that blessed peace that indeed "passes understanding." As Psalm 91:2 reminds us, He is our refuge and we will trust in Him.
For me it is Christ, it is Christ now to live!
Though death’s waters over me roll,
no fear shall be mine, for in death as in life
you will whisper your peace to my soul.
For me it is Christ, it is Christ now to live!
Though death’s waters over me roll,
no fear shall be mine, for in death as in life
you will whisper your peace to my soul.
For me it is Christ, it is Christ now to live!
Though death’s waters over me roll,
no fear shall be mine, for in death as in life
you will whisper your peace to my soul.
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