RPG Adults
PEACE FROM GOD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
2 Peter 1:1-2
Psalm 4
“…teach me thy statutes.”
PEACE FROM GOD
In many of the letters of the New Testament, the Apostles used the greeting that had become so much a part of the early Christian faith: “Grace to you and peace from…the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 1:7). This same greeting is now used by Peter (2 Pet 1:2).
By God’s grace we are not only saved, but also preserved and strengthened so that we can live for Him (Eph 2:5; 2 Tim 2:1). No matter how difficult the testing and trials of life, it is God’s all sufficient grace that enables us to live with joy and the assurance of victory (2 Cor 12:9).
Peace can mean the absence of war. The believer once at war with God is now at peace (Rom 5:1, 10). But peace can also mean an inner tranquility, a calm assurance that all is well with our souls. The Psalmist said that God gives His people peace (Ps 29:11). The Apostle Paul spoke of the peace which passes all understanding, that is, a peace which is beyond the concept of our finite minds (Phil 4:7). These are days of turmoil and difficulty. Change and uncertainty are the rule of the day. It is good in times like these to remember that in Christ we can have peace. His peace enables us to feel secure in the midst of the present uncertainties and difficulties.
We are challenged to live a gentle, humble life which allows God’s gift of peace to rule in our lives (Col 3:12-15). As we learn more of Christ and yield our lives to Him, peace in the midst of difficulty becomes our portion (2 Pet 1:2). Then, like the Apostles of old, we can move forward boldly for God in full knowledge that He will meet our heart’s need for peace and comfort. And this inner peace which radiates from our lives will be a testimony of God’s all sufficient grace to all whom we meet.
THOUGHT: What enables me to live with joy and the assurance of victory?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for the peace Thou givest me, a peace that passes all understanding.