THE SOURCE OF PEACE

The God who created us is the only God who can give us peace in our minds and hearts. The closer we become to His presence, the calmer our lives become in this chaotic world. In today's society, we often try to get our peace through sleep, exercise, entertainment, meditation, alcohol, drugs, or relationships, but true peace can only be found in the God who created us. The Israelites tried to find peace and joy in following the ungodly ways of the people in the land, and they ended up neglecting God and worshipping other gods. As a result, they lost their peace, and trouble came upon them. Their souls became tired and weary. They were searching for peace in this world, but they couldn't find it. It was not until they came back to God that they found their peace once again. When they went up to Jerusalem temple to celebrate the Feasts of God, they were all excited and anticipating the presence of God.  

Psalm 84:5-7 says, "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." As they journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feasts of God, they passed through the Valley of Baka, which was a desert place. But despite being in the dry and hot valley, their passion for God's presence overcame their challenging journey. The desert place became filled with their praises as if in the springtime. Although they were tired of the journey, they never ran out of strength as they focused their attention on being in the presence of God in Jerusalem or Zion. There was a professor who had ALS (Lou Garrett's Disease) who came to share in our chapel one time, and he knew that he was dying, but one thing that encouraged me the most was his peace in God. Despite his medical condition, his faith in God and longing to be in the presence of God made his condition bearable. 

God's presence is the only thing that can give us peace in our hearts and minds. May God continue to work in our hearts to give us a strong passion for His presence so that we may passionately seek Him and find peace in the midst of our challenges.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who can give me peace of mind and heart? How can I find peace? What is God showing me in today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, I praise you for being the source of my peace. Please guard my heart from following the ways of this world and give me the passion for your presence. Please help me to seek you to find peace in the midst of my challenges. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.