20 Dec January 15th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

GOD IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR PEACE

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The “and” that begins today’s devotional verse ties verses six (yesterdays devotion) to today’s.  The emphasis of yesterday’s verse was to leave everything in God’s hands by means of prayer with thanksgiving.  Doing this connects you to your source of peace.  Jesus is that source as He said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The Holy Spirit caused Isaiah to write that God, “. . . will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in (Him).  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4) The peace God gives encompasses more than just the absence of conflict. The peace you receive from Him through Jesus Christ encompasses a state of tranquility, harmony, and wholeness that goes beyond surface-level calmness. It comes to you through the forgiveness of your sins that in turn calms your conscience and strengthens your heart to cling solely to Jesus as your Savior and Shepherd.

The peace you receive from God through your faith in Jesus gives you assurance of His almighty presence in your life, especially when you are undergoing difficulties and challenges which Satan wants to use to upset and worry you.  This is the kind of peace God wants you to have.  This is the peace Jesus has earned and won for you.  “My peace,” He says, I give to you!

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,  equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Prayer:  Grant me, Heavenly Father, peace through Your Son Jesus, peace with You, within myself and peace with my brothers and sisters.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way;

When sorrows, like billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well with my soul,

It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

He lives— Oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,

The trumpet shall soul and the Lord shall descend;

Even so it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

(LSB 763)