Peace That Prevails

Scripture

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

~Isaiah 26:3, NKJV

Quote

Thoughts that arise due to your doubts will disturb your peace, discourage your heart and eventually wear you down.

~Charles Stanley

It bothers me that children suffer and I certainly don’t understand birth defects. Both St. Jude and Childrens Hospital in Birmingham are always full and that also bothers me. I went to bed with a troubled heart last night and came to my hiding place with my head down. I guess it was a combination of guilt, fear, doubt and pure ignorance. Somehow I came across John 16 and I read the whole chapter. When I got to the very last verse, I perked up a bit…Jesus said…”These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” The NLT reads…I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” The Greek word thlip’-sis translated tribulation in NKJV and trials and sorrows in NLT, means to be in a jam, caught in a strait, no room to turn. As mother use to say, “caught between a rock and a hard place.” It also confers the idea of being under a heavy weight or burden. What Jesus is telling us is true…IN THIS WORLD we are going to have trails, troubles, and sorrows. But the good news is: Jesus overcame this world. The world did not defeat Jesus. It is apt to get us down from time to time but it will not prevail long term.

If there was no heaven, we would have great reason for sorrow and even despair. I was thinking this morning of the hymn or song, HEAVEN WILL SURELY BE WORTH IT ALL. Don’t over estimate the power of the world and please do not underestimate the glory and joy of heaven.

Extra

I am behind this morning and on the run so to speak. I don’t like to be rushed in my QT or my writing but from time to time it happens. Great day yesterday and so thankful to get to share the gospel three times: no make that four. What a joy! You know what would make it better? To see a little conviction and repentance. God is good.

Have a great day and week.

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