I think one of the most peaceful things I’ve ever seen is a sleeping baby. I don’t know how many times I have stood at cribs edge and watched my children and my grandchildren.
Not a care in the world. Total surrender. Immersed in peace.
Before they know the meaning of words, they know peace. That’s how our heavenly Father wants us to be.
“Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 NLV
God never intended for us to carry the cares of the world on our shoulders. In fact, the verse that precedes this one is as follows:
“So put away all pride from yourselves. You are standing under the powerful hand of God. At the right time He will lift you up.” I Peter 5:6 NLV
Pride is a peace robber. Pride convinces us that we should be able to “handle this on my own”. Pride whispers, or shouts, “what will people think if you ask for help”. But with the absence of pride comes peace.
Peace to know that the powerful hand of God is working on our behalf. He will lift us up when we stumble and fall. He will lift the burden of the world’s cares from our shoulders. He will carry the load and we will be able to rest in peace.
“ I will lie down and sleep in peace. O Lord, You alone keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 NLV
I was curious so I did a word search on peace. In the King James version of the Bible the word peace is used 420 times; in the NLV (New Life version) it’s used 381 times. Peace is a core teaching of God’s word.
One of the biggest attacks on my peace is the temptation to worry over my children and grandchildren, the ones I love most. They have faced some herculean obstacles. The Holy Spirit has always been there to provide me with peace and calm assurance.
“And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest.” Isaiah 32:17-18 NLT
“He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him. ” Psalm 112:7-8 NLV
Calm assurance is a state of being. I love the wording of the verses above. It’s a quietness, confidence, a heart that will not be shaken. That’s peace.
“I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.” Isaiah 54:13 NLT
Each day I pray for the peace of my children and grandchildren. I pray that in every situation they will experience the peace of God which bypasses their natural understanding. I pray that in their smallest moments and in the largest challenges they will see God’s hand protecting them and bringing them peace.
As we close, let’s turn our thoughts back to that sleeping baby. We are God’s children, He wants us to be at peace, He will handle our cares and give us sweet peace!