Find Peace in God's Word
Wednesday is usually my day off. So after I take the kids to school, Renae and I take the dog for a walk. Because things are often so busy during the week, this is usually a good time for us to catch up with each other. This morning, we talked about the kids, their school, and their recent dental appointment. We also talked about the church, Renae's relatives, and all that's going on in the world. Our walks are usually relaxing but today it was kind of unsettling as we talked about COVID, the economy, and now the war in Ukraine. Perhaps you've felt unsettled or anxious recently. After we got back, I opened my laptop and the news headlines made me feel even worse (plus I saw that USC lost by 20 (okay, not as important)).
This anxious feeling continued until I started doing my quiet time. Now it doesn't always happen this way, but as I read my Bible this morning and placed my focus on God, I actually felt a sense of peace come over me. The anxious feelings began to fade or at least lighten up. As I said, it doesn't always work this way but actually, it happens more often than not. Do I know God is present and active in the world? Yes! Do I trust He's in complete control? Absolutely! Do I believe He loves us? Without a doubt! But I've learned that being in God's Word is what consistently plants those truths in my heart and mind. I know a lot of people who worry a lot. And there's a lot to worry about these days. But those who regularly read and meditate on God's Word (and pray), are almost always the most emotionally stable people I know.
For Christians, God's Word is to be an anchor in our lives. It should be a daily staple for us, like rice or bread in our diets. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Its author is unknown, but most scholars think it was written by David, Ezra, or Daniel. Each of these men suffered serious trials in life. This chapter reflects those struggles. But a corresponding theme is the profound truth and sufficiency of God's Word. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:165 says "Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119 is an expansion of Psalm 19:7-9 which says “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.”
What God's Word does for us is that it continually affirms and re-affirms the character of God, His attributes, His eternal plan, and His faithfulness to us. These are truths that we continually need to hear because it's easy for our hearts and minds to be overwhelmed by the troubles around us. Beloved, make God's Word a regular part of your day. Trust in Him and don't be shaken. As Jesus said in John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Pastor Darren
