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February 3, 1999, Wednesday
How can a person find peace when there are many around him
that can't be trusted? What is the method that God uses that
makes a person be at peace in all circumstances? What security
does one have that God can really keep a person from falling
and keep him in peace?
The Psalmist was in danger, but knew of the presence of
God in all danger, and he found peace by trusting in Him-
"The danger of death was all around me; the horrors of
the grave closed in on me; I was filled with fear and
anxiety; but I called to the Lord, "I beg you, Lord,
save me!" (Psa 116:3-4). God kept him from harm for he
kept on believing in Him, even when all around was bad-
Be confident, my heart, because the Lord has been good
to me. The Lord saved me from death; he stopped my tears
and kept me from defeat. And so I walk in the presence
of God in the world of the living. I kept on believing,
even when I said, "I am completely crushed," even when I
was afraid and said, "No one can be trusted". He found
the True One that could be trusted in peace, his Lord.
Isaiah prayed for mercy because he was aware of the many
transgressions of his people and acknowledged that to God-
"Lord, our crimes against You are many. Our sins accuse
us. We are well aware of them all" (Isa 59:12). The first
step of awareness and confession to God of sin starts the
peace process. The Psalmist knew that God's presence was
the source of peace and that he would be secure with Him-
"I am always aware of the Lord's presence; He is near,
and nothing can shake me" (Psa 16:8). When a person does
not welcome sin, and is aware of God's presence, there is
nothing that hinders his security.
Moses tells us that God protected Israel when they were
learning to be His people. He would not let them fall--
"Like an eagle teaching its young to fly, catching them
safely on its spreading wings, the Lord kept Israel from
falling" (Deut 32:11). Since we have that security that He
will not let us fall, we learn without fear of death, but
hope in the Lord who will appear soon to help us. Isaiah
prophesied that the Messiah would indeed come and teach us--
"He will not lose hope or courage; He will establish justice
on the earth. Distant lands eagerly wait for His teaching"
(Isa 42:4). His teaching continues to be a source of peace.
Let us remember who is the God that is our peace. God's
Name is Jehová Shalom. He is the God that puts His peace
all around His people. He is the God that is helping us
learn His ways. He is meek and humble and makes us aware
that the fear of the Lord gives protection. He will soon
crush Satan under our feet and instructs us from all of
His teaching. Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today
for the fact that He keeps us with in His peace!
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