As the rain and snow

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…  

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full…

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” John 15:1-5,8-11,16a

Jesus connects with the agrarian mind of His disciples in explaining the importance of their abiding in Him to produce fruit. Certain activity and submission is required for a healthy crop. Stay connected to Him, yield to His careful cutting, correcting, redirecting, and their ministry would bear an abundant eternal effect. But Jesus did not stop with the important goal of manifold influence and souls, but with the added resulting, lasting joy that is the result of flourishing. (Psalm 16:8-11)

Abiding in Christ brings broad abundance of godly thought, faith, and zeal. The cutting away of old practices and wayward affections yields rich Christian character. Drawing up regular nourishment from Christ’s living word gives strength to bear up under hardship and to serve. Clinging to the vine Jesus, and yielding to the heavenly Vinedresser’s pruning and shaping is the very process of sanctification. Being conformed to the image of Christ is the epitome of joy. (Colossians 3:5-17)

Does joy characterize our lives? Would those who make our acquaintance, and do those with whom we’re familiar, describe us as joyful? What do our countenance and conversation betray about our outlook on life, our attitudes toward personal circumstances and people with opposing opinions?

If joy is a byproduct of abiding in Christ, how can we better abide? What stubborn resistance to the Lord’s refining need we release? How will we take in more of His Spirit? Would we entrust ourselves to the Master’s loving hands in order to have greater influence on our culture, individuals, families for eternity? When Christ is the goal, fruit is borne and joy surprises and delights. (Galatians 5:22-23)

“I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.” ~Henry Francis Lyte

Lord, keep me deeply rooted and yielding as a fruitful branch, to Your glory and abounding joy.

“In the first year of his reign, in the first month, [King Hezekiah] opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. He brought in the priests… and said, ‘Hear me, Levites! Consecrate yourselves, and the house of the Lord,.. and carry out the filth from the Holy Place. For our fathers have been unfaithful and done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They have forsaken him and turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord and turned their backs…  My sons, do not be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister and… make offerings to him.’

“They gathered their brothers and consecrated themselves and went… into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and they brought out all the uncleanness… into the court… and carried it out to the brook Kidron… Then they went to Hezekiah and said, ‘We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the table for the showbread and all its utensils…’

“Then Hezekiah the king rose early and gathered the officials of the city and went up to the house of the Lord… and the priests… [made] atonement for all Israel…

“Hezekiah commanded that the burnt offering be offered on the altar… The song to the Lord began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. The whole assembly worshiped… until the burnt offering was finished. [Then] the king and all who were present with him bowed themselves and worshiped…

“Then Hezekiah said, ‘You have now consecrated yourselves to the Lord. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the Lord.’ And the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings,.. all who were of a willing heart.” 2 Chronicles 29:3-6,11,15-16,18,20,24,27-29,31

King Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord by having the eyes of the Lord, and acting on what he saw to restore righteousness. God’s wrath had rained on the kingdom of Judah and the city of Jerusalem because His people had been unfaithful and forsaken Him. Consecration and cleansing were needed, and this king stood tall to the task.

Just and true are the ways of the King of kingdoms. When we observe foundations of a nation crumble, the hiss and horror of sin’s stain that destroys a culture’s fabric and people, it is helpful to assess spiritual integrity. God’s eyes see forsaken worship and disregard for His law, and His holiness requires restoration, which begins with the heart. (Psalms 11:3; Revelation 15:3)

Like Hezekiah, we must begin at the place of corruption, and with God’s help, remove first the filth from our inner lives. What malice, hatred, resentment, prejudice, conceit do we harbor? What unholy affections are we justifying, or prurient interests entertaining? Do we worship God plus, or God alone? We must deal with the personal before we can make a difference in any corporal sense. Cleansing the private sanctuary frees us to offer acceptable worship and spread light in our communities, cities, nations, and world.

Search me, O God, cleanse me, inspire pure, pleasing worship, and through me spread the gospel wherever I am. (Psalm 51:2-4,6-10; 139:23-24)

“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:51

“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,
    of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.
And he will swallow up on this mountain
    the covering that is cast over all peoples,
    the veil that is spread over all nations.
He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth…
It will be said on that day,
    ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
    This is the Lord;..
    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'” Isaiah 25:6-9

“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end… To this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. A veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed… We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. This comes from the Lord, the Spirit… God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 3:12-16,18; 4:6

In the Scriptures, different veils were used for different purposes, from depicting the humble modesty and honor of a bride before her groom to the sacred guarding of the Holy of holies, a veil of sorrow to the veil of unbelief. The mystery depicted represents an even more exquisite mystery of the Lord’s purposes through history, shrouded, announced, and revealed. All that was intentionally and rightly hidden would be uncovered at the crucifixion for glorious good. (Exodus 26:31-35; Leviticus 16:2-3; Hebrews 10:19-20)

Though at Calvary the temple veil was rent, we still experience aspects of veiling in many areas of life. Those without Christ lie behind a veil of unbelief, unable to make their own way to God. Yet, because of Jesus, by grace they can believe, and we can pray for the veil to be lifted. A veil of confusion can make it hard to understand God’s ways or discern His paths. Yet, the Holy Spirit sent by the resurrected Christ leads us into all truth and illuminates God’s word for us. The veil of sorrow and sighing experienced here below is weighty, seeming at times too heavy to bear. Yet, the Lord promises all tears will one day vanish, being swallowed up in victory. (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 15:55-58; 1 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 21:4)

What veil presently darkens our way, understanding, or faith? Would we claim the Jesus’s power to remove the veil on healing, contentment, peace? Would we rejoice as His bride and behold Him with no shame, and full love, to take on His countenance? And how will we unveil Christ for others? (Numbers 6:24-26)

Lord, help me live in the freedom and joy for which You died.

“The king said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent…’ 

“That same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, ‘Go, tell my servant David, “Would you build me a house to dwell in?  I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling…  And I have been with you wherever you went… And I will make for you a great name… [I] will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever…  And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.”’ In accordance with all these words, and… all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come…  Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears… And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.'” 2 Samuel 7:2,4-6,9,11-13,16-19a,22,28-29

David had great aspirations for the Lord, and the Lord had higher, more far-reaching ones for David. Young in royal duties and eager in faith, David wanted to construct a house for worship of the Lord. But God’s plans imparted a different vision of far greater and eternal importance. David imagined a physical house when the Lord promised eternal progeny- first a son who would build the temple, then a line that would carry the Christ into the world. (Matthew 1:6-16)

When we love the Lord, we can make great plans for Him borne of enthusiasm to express gratitude or to exalt His name. Knowing our heart intent, He is honored by these desires. But often our impulses, however good, are just that- impulses birthed in our minds without inquiring of Him. God’s higher ways are always best, superseding our ambitions as divine over the flesh, everlasting over temporary. (1 Kings 8:18-19; Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Matthew 17:1-5)

Where has the Lord aborted or changed direction on what we thought were lofty ideas? Is our drive greater to accomplish what we want, or to discern and fulfill what He wants? How practiced are we in seeking God’s will before we prepare schedules and set plans in motion? How can we better align ourselves with His highest good?

Lord, enfold my desire to build into Your eternal, marvelous plans, for Your glory.

“Give ear to my prayer, O God,
    and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
Attend to me, and answer me;
    I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
because of the noise of the enemy,
    because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me,
    and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

My heart is in anguish within me;
    the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me,
    and horror overwhelms me.
And I say, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest…
I would hurry to find a shelter
    from the raging wind and tempest…’

But I call to God,
    and the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
    I utter my complaint and moan,
    and he hears my voice.
He redeems my soul in safety
    from the battle that I wage,
    for many are arrayed against me.
God will give ear and humble them,
    he who is enthroned from of old.

Cast your burden on the Lord,
    and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
    the righteous to be moved…
But I will trust in you.” Psalm 55:1-6,8,12-14,16-19a,22,23c

David’s troubles were great and unrelenting. Violence, betrayal of friends, numberless agonies of soul pressed hard until a song of lament issued forth. If only he could escape the constant friction, fly far from the pain… So he poured out his heart to the only One who could hear and understand and hold his tears. (Psalm 55:9-15)

It is natural, in the midst of seemingly endless pain and strife, to wonder how we can live with joy or hope, above the fray. We want to flee, to remove ourselves from the weight of pressure, taunts, and terrors that constantly threaten to undo us. Our soul’s answer isn’t in escape, or the eradication of trials, but in where we fix our trust. The only balm is on the wings of Christ who bears us up. (Psalm 56:3-4; Isaiah 40:28-31; Romans 8:31-34)

What legitimate causes have we to moan in complaint today? Are we suffering spiritual oppression at work or within our families or friend groups? Is there a physical pain or condition that gnaws with fear about the future? Have we been deceived, betrayed, hurt by someone close to us? Would we fly to Jesus? Would we take our burdens to Him and rest on His everlasting arms? Our God is for us and will sustain us to the end! (Deuteronomy 33:27)

“You have kept count of my tossings;
    put my tears in your bottle.
    Are they not in your book?
Then my enemies will turn back
    in the day when I call.
    This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
    in the Lord, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
    What can man do to me?..

I will render thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered my soul from death,
    yes, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
    in the light of life.” Psalm 56:8-13

Lord, may I constantly fly to You so I pulse with Your life and proclaim Your graces and glory.

“Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:3-9

The Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, and poured themselves into settling in, planting their land and building their personal homes. But much of their effort was fruitless. The Lord called them to consider their ways, and the condition of His ruined house, and rebuild for Him. Though they were stirred in Spirit, rebuilding the temple to its former glory became overwhelming. The prophet’s word to them was to set aside focusing on themselves, trusting their own strength, fainting in the work because it seemed impossible, languishing in the past and memories of former glory and what-ifs, and immerse themselves presently in the Lord. This was their job, and His work. He was their sufficiency and would be their success. If they kept on for Him they would see Him glorified. (Haggai 1:2-14)

The size and difficulty of any task can render it challenging, frustrating, and sometimes too much to handle. Reviving or remaking something that was lost can drain us of enthusiasm when vision is swallowed by what we think was the greater grandeur of what has passed. Misplaced priorities and misdirected effort can leave us feeling fruitless, that all our work is a waste of time.

Yet, when the Lord issues any call, He has already prepared for its doing and completing. He presents us with opportunity to take on fresh vitality, a vision for His plan, and to rely on His abiding, enabling, inspiring Spirit in the process. He empowers us by that Spirit to imagination, energy, and zeal that bring Him glory. (Isaiah 43:19; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Where am I stuck in the past, in resisting change that naturally occurs, or in preference over a new but necessary service or task God has asked me to do? Where am I flagging in the Lord’s kingdom work due to tired vision, apathy, or fear of the unknown? How willing am I to step in and press on, even when I cannot see results or may never enjoy the finished product? No matter my feelings of resistance or dismay, would I set them aside to trust God’s strength tand bring Him the glory He deserves? (Philippians 3:13-14; Revelation 3:2)

My Lord and Master, keep me awake and strong to attend with rigor and to complete the works You have for me.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort…

“We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.”

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7,8b-10; 12:7-10

Jesus the God-man is the perfect match for those He created. Made for relationship with Him and to reflect His glorious image, man finds completion and fulfillment of divine purpose in Him alone. Every lack He meets with sufficiency. In suffering, comfort; in want, supply; in weakness, strength; in sorrow, balm; in lack, wisdom; in division, reconciliation; in brokenness, healing; in despair, hope; in anxiety, peace; in uncertainty, guarantee; in loneliness, presence. The greatest match is Jesus’s life for my certain death, by ransom for impossible debt. (Isaiah 43:7; John 14:16-17; Philippians 4:6-7,19; James 1:5)

Often we go about life assuming self-sufficiency, realizing only when challenges loom that we are no match for them alone. Our God kindly arranges circumstances to drive us o His promises and open arms. He matches our every need with grace and abundance.

What areas of life are we withholding from the Lord? Do we depend on Him in certain places of need, but keep others to ourselves out of pride or shame? Do we merely talk about believing and trusting Him, yet doubt His supply? Do we close ourselves off to sanctification or change because we coddle sin, or prefer to nurse resentment and blame and remain as a martyr in a miserable status quo? He is ready to meet us!

Father, teach me to take Your yoke and live fully for Your notice and honor. (Matthew 11:28-30)

“Hear this, all peoples!
    Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
both low and high,
    rich and poor together!
My mouth shall speak wisdom;
    the meditation of my heart shall be understanding…
    I will solve my riddle to music…

Why should I fear in times of trouble,
    when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,
those who trust in their wealth
    and boast of the abundance of their riches?
Truly no man can ransom another,
    or give to God the price of his life,
for the ransom of their life is costly
    and can never suffice,
that he should live on forever
    and never see the pit.

For he sees that even the wise die;
    the fool and the stupid alike must perish
    and leave their wealth to others.
Their graves are their homes forever,
    their dwelling places to all generations,
    though they called lands by their own names.
Man in his pomp will not remain…

This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;
    yet after them people approve of their boasts.
Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;
    death shall be their shepherd,
and the upright shall rule over them in the morning…
But God will ransom my soul..,
    for he will receive me. 

Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,
    when the glory of his house increases.
For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
    his glory will not go down after him.
For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed—
    and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—
his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,
    who will never again see light.
Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.” Psalm 49:1-3,5-20

The psalmists ponder in song many aspects of and responses to riches. Admitting to tempted fear of the rich because of the influence they wield, often by cheating or oppression, they contemplate with an eternal perspective and put to rest these concerns. Pomp, things, and earthly glory do not last, and neither rich nor poor, wise nor foolish, can take anything to the afterlife. The need for ransom at death is the great equalizer for all mankind. All will face the Lord as bereft sinners, and no earthly wealth suffices for redemption. Only God can ransom a soul, through His Son, Jesus. (Psalm 73:3-19; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:27; 10:10-14)

Looking here and there makes for a distracted heart. There will always be someone in easier circumstances, who shines brighter and looks happier. But the Lord would strum our heart strings with His grace to fix our eternal treasure with Him, so we know and can sing of true contentment.

Where am I unsettled over another’s wealth, success, or apparent ease? For what good gifts, including salvation, can I thank my Lord this day? How will I assure, and rejoice in, my heavenly inheritance? (James 1:17; 1 Peter 1:3-7)

“Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’ns Sun!
Heart of my heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.” ~Irish, 8th century

Lord, keep me thinking rightly about true treasure, that my confidence and joy remain in You alone.

“Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
    O God of my salvation,
    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.” Psalm 51:1-15

The wide blanket of mercy had fallen on King David. It had inflicted the misery of mental and physical agony to cause him to know his ugly evil sin. It convinced him that his sin was an affront to the Lord and His holiness, uprightness, and truth. It convicted him with guilt that cried out for its loving embrace and cleansing. It filled him with the hope of restoration. Only a merciful God could do so much with mercy. (Psalm 32:1-5)

How much do we know of the mercy of God? According to His mercy, He extends mercy. It defines both His character and interactions with His beloved children. Do we recognize its reach into our lives? If we are saved, we have been enveloped by its wide strong arms. But constant mind buzz and activity easily take us far from a keen awareness of mercy through our hours: insight that cautions and inspires, conscience that pokes and directs, nearness that fortifies and comforts.

It is God’s mercy that stings when we begin to go astray, and warms the heart toward the needy. It is mercy that warns of harsh consequences, convicts of guilt, and soothes with forgiveness. Are we seeking it from the One whose nature is mercy, bringing every care under its cover? Do we see it, feel it, welcome its activity? Are we grateful that mercy goes before us, works on us, upholds us, and follows us all our days? If so, would we open our lips and declare God’s praise? Marveling at the mercy of God and its wide reach in our every day brings security, confidence, and joyful praise. (Lamentations 3:22-23; Psalm 23:6)

My Lord, keep me aware of, dependent on, and thankful for Your daily mercies to me, and help me extend bountiful mercy to others in Your name.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭33‬

“You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:37-39

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 14:27; 16:33

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Jesus taught and the Scriptures emphasize repeatedly that the God of peace sent His Son into the world to bring peace into the chaos and confusion of life by making peace with our souls. What Christ achieved on the cross reconciling ruined sinners to their Holy God has its peace-bringing effect in personal anxieties, relationships, decisions, and cultural tumult. Those at peace with Him are held in peace in the world and its fury. (Job 22:21; Isaiah 9:6; 48:18; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 1:16-20)

Our lives are fraught with many a storm and conundrum. At home and work, in the wrangling of our minds and pick and parlance of interactions, the Lord is present, speaking peace. Christ’s grace penetrates disordered affections and broken relationships, brings solace into storms of grief and hurt and fear. How are these truths meaningful for us?

In what net of confusion are we currently entangled- a big decision, conflicting diagnoses, uncertain career or financial future, rocky communication with a loved one? What are we doing to seek and implement God’s way of peace? How can we better learn and trust His promises? Where can we serve as peacemaker for others? Staying our minds on Jesus ensures other-worldly peace. (Matthew 5:9)

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.

It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.” ~Horatio Spafford (1873)

Lord, in life’s chaos and confusion, rule and be exalted as my Prince of Peace.