Peace
I have several friends and family members who are going through difficult things. One of my top prayers for them is for peace. I think we can go through almost anything when we have an underlying peace - that God is in control, that He is working in the difficult situation, and that He is with us to help us.
I've often thought about when Jesus came to His disciples after His death and resurrection. His first words to them were "Peace be with you." He knew they were confused and anxious. His death had been so traumatic for them. It seemed like all their hopes and dreams were gone. They were fearful, too, of being persecuted because of their relationship to Jesus. They were staying behind closed, locked doors out of fear of the Jewish authorities. Jesus knew when He appeared to them that what they needed was peace.
Jesus knows, too, that we need peace in our difficult situations. He comes to us with peace - He imparts it to us and covers us with it. It's not dependent on the circumstances. It's something that He, and only He, can give. Everything around us may feel like it's falling apart, but if we have the peace that the Lord gives - we can make it through.
Many times standing by Floyd's bed when he was sick in the hospital - I prayed and sang about peace. I asked the Lord to give him peace.....and I have to say that there was a calmness and spirit of peace in his room. The staff commented on it. His situation was difficult and puzzling. I can't begin to imagine how hard it was for him, but I think the Lord gave him peace.
Time and time again as I've gone through these hard years, I've asked the Lord to settle my heart and give me peace. He has calmed the storms raging around me, and given me His sweet, sweet peace. I'm so grateful!
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' " John 20:19
"...guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:79
"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." John 14:27
"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
"Do not be anxious about anything...and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
I pray that last verse as I go to bed at night!
Without the amazing peace that the Lord gives, I don't think I could make it through everything. His peace is an awesome gift and treasure. He's so faithful!
About the Author: Sally McClung is a member of the All Nations International Leadership Team and is co-founder of All Nations. Her husband, Floyd McClung, was a world-renown missions leader. Floyd went to be with Jesus in 2021. He is the author of 16 books, including the best-selling books, “The Father Heart of God” and “Living on the Devil’s Doorstep.”
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