Dec 30 – IN THE WAY OF GOD’S PEACE !

“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79)

All the ways of the Lord lead us to peace and joy. Every child of God would need to have peace in three aspects. Firstly, Peace with God the Father. Secondly, Peace with fellow humans. And thirdly Peace with self.

First and foremost is the need for peace with God. The Scripture says: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Secondly, the need for peace with men. If you have any bitterness or vindictiveness, let go of that, ask for their forgiveness and be reconciled with them. You should not have any enemy other than the devil.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), Shiloh – the Peace giver (Genesis 49:10), and grants Peace (Micah 5:5). The Scripture says: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Thirdly, you need Peace within yourself. Some people are buffeted by a guilty conscience all through the day and night. They lose their inner peace and are not able to forgive themselves. They will always think that they should not have acted or spoken in a particular manner. They will constantly suffer from guilt that they are the very reason for all the problems of their lives, and blame themselves. But as a believer, you should repent for all your past actions and sinful attitudes and pour them at the feet of the Lord with a contrite spirit and tearful prayers. Once you do that, you should have faith in your heart that God has graciously forgiven you all your sins. Only then will you be filled with the God-given peace, which the world cannot give.

Our Lord Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Dear children of God, He has promised you great peace. And He will be a good shepherd and lead you every day of your life. He will also guide your feet in the way of peace.

Verse for further meditation: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3)