Peace, Perfect Peace
Has your world shattered and left you with no hope for your marriage?
I have gone through many trials in my life, but I’ll never forget the worst year! And I’ll never forget the gift God gave me during that year.
I was a member of the choir at the church I attended. And for some reason I couldn’t figure out, the choir director was having us practice for five weeks in a row a very simple, easy-to-learn hymn: “Peace, Perfect Peace.” Here are four of the short verses of this song that was written in the 1800’s:
Peace, perfect peace—in this dark world of sin, the blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace —by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace—with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace—our future all unknown. Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
After weeks of practicing, I went through another traumatic experience that was par for the course in my life at that time. Afterwards, with tears rolling down my cheeks, I looked up to the Lord in my distress. Then that song came to my mind—“Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin, the blood of Jesus’ whispers peace within.” I started singing it softly to myself—and God’s comfort filled my heart, Jesus’ peace flooded my soul.
The Lord used that song to lift my heart all through that awful year—and ever since. I just sing it and Christ’s perfect peace comes over me. As a church musician, I have passed it on to others.
God’s Word about Peace
Here are some other Scriptures that help us to live in peace.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
“When we trust completely in the Lord, we will have His peace” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV).
First Peter 3:10—“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”
In order for us to have peace, we need to cultivate it with others.
Matthew 5:9— “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” It’s much better for us and other people if we are peacemakers rather than troublemakers!
John 14:27— “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.” Stay with Jesus, you’ll have His peace.”
Philippians 4:7— “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Check out verse 6 for the “how.”
Thank you, Father, for being my peace. No matter what I am facing today, or what is waiting for me tomorrow, You know every detail. You are already there. And here and now you offer me peace. Help me to draw near to You. Amen
Questions: Are you struggling with peace in your soul? What is interfering with your peace?
About the Author Muriel Larson
I am struggling with a decision that I made three and a half weeks ago regarding a sibling and addiction to alcohol. I had to tell my sibling that until counseling or treatment has taken place I could no longer help. I have been doing what I could for this person for the last three and a half years. I would not ‘enable’ and that was what brought the decision to cut this person out of my life. I prayed and prayed and will continue to pray for the well being of my sibling but I had to say enough as this person does not want to help themselves. This person I miss in my life very much but I can’t help them anymore. Please pray for him.
Joanne, my heart goes out to you. I too have walked the path of a broken marriage, and the pain that is left behind can be intense. Yet in the pain I found that God is faithful, that He still loves me and will never forsake me. As I poured out the frustration and hurt before Him, I have felt His comfort and known His guidance.
I understand some of the struggles you may be facing today. Even more, Jesus Christ understands, for he faced betrayal, rejection, and pain. Oh how that comforts me, to know He understands the pain I’ve experienced! With that understanding comes peace. I will continue to pray for you throughout this day and as God brings you to mind, Joanne.
You need not walk this path alone. My prayer for you today is found in Romans 15, verse 13:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Since i was emotionally arrested at the age of 14 because i chose to start drinking alcohol, i have discovered that God’s Will runs the train…NOT my emotions! God’s nature is Peace. It’s His Will. God’s Will is inside of me (in Christ). His Will takes presidence OVER negative and hurtful emotions. So, i am developing in my salvation to where i am getting quicker to call on His Will of Peace. The will is MORE powerful than the emotions b/c it doesn’t FEEL… EVEN THOUGH you would SWEAR the emotion is stronger (b/c it DOES feel) This is the lie of the devil b/c this is the realm he operates in. So to Joanne…get in the Presence of the Father God and command that part of your self to take over. Say those Peace scriptures out loud. Tape them around the house like i do. LET HIS WILL RUN YOUR TRAIN NOT THE EMOTIONS! Yes…start practicing NOW. It’s a process you develop once you come to the understanding of what i’m saying. i have been through so much in my life time, you would be in tears for me. This is how the enemy kept me “arrested” and in his emotional prison! The more time you spend in the Presence of the LORD this process will accelerate. My emotions were always in control of me esp self pity (the enemy loves this one!) We have to get to the place where our will IS God’s Will as we become more faithful to be like Him. Trust in His Will for you and HIS Will “becomes” your will! i prayed for you today. May He make what i’m telling you as clear as the cleanest glass.
Joanne dear, Just as the Lord gave me His amazing peace during the most awful year of my life–and ever since then, He can give it to you too.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are heavily laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). There is your promise for this year and all those following. In His love, Dr. Muriel
Peace, how I long for that peace in my life today. A broken marriage after 26 years. So hard for me to move forward. My ex husband is so happy in his new relationship and can’t understand why I don’t go looking for someone too. Much too soon for me. Only 4 months since separating. How can I go on? Some days are such a struggle for me. Peace, how I need that in my life today.
Exactly just before reading today’s devot, I had shared a request with close friends: Today is the first anniversary of my father’s homegoing to God’s place of rejoicing amongst the faithful redeemed; also, am remembering the survivors, families, government and military in remembrance of “9/11″.
Timely indeed, by God’s Grace alone. Thank you. ~Blessings~