Part 1 of SWAGG's August series about how good our God is to us
Hi SWAGG family!!!!
What a blessing it was to journey with you as we learned more about God in our July Series: The Greatness of God.
In fact, I was learning so much that I just wanted to keep going. And guess what? That's exactly what we're going to do!
In our August series called Good God, we'll be going over five more characteristics of our good God for the next four weeks.
I find it kind of funny, and not in a happy way, that the week I planned to write about God’s peacefulness is one in which I feel almost zero peace. Additionally, I said something that’s totally against my core value of gentleness. I’m kind of a mess right now, but God set this devotion for this time to reveal to me – and to you – His great peace.
We can take comfort in the Biblical description of God’s peace. In Psalms, it says that God blesses His people with peace. He doesn’t just reign in and with peace, but actively shares it with us. John, one of the twelve disciples, records Jesus telling others that the peace we receive from Him is different than the world’s version of peace. The peace we have with Jesus isn’t temporary and it’s not something we have to work to obtain. Also, in Isaiah, there is a prophecy about Jesus, which describes Him as the prince of peace. Any true peace that we have at any point in our lives can only be from Him for He rules over peace, with peace, and in peace.
God’s great peacefulness brings us other things besides comfort: First, it allows us to live in peace. This means both in our relationships with others and in the way we act and think. Secondly, our hearts and minds are guarded by God’s peace. His peace is so great that it can’t be fully understood and it’s strong enough to be a shield that protects our hearts and minds from the devil’s attacks. Third, it helps us to sleep and dwell in safety. The Lord gives us peace that can completely calm us enough to go about our normal routines even when the world or a certain situation seems scary. Lastly, God leads us in peace. We can trust wherever God is leading us, because He is always with us and so is His peace.
Here’s what not to do, knowing God’s peacefulness: Believe that peace is weakness – Our God is one of peace, yet He’s also the most powerful being ever. Worry about God’s peace being removed – God’s unfailing love and covenant of peace will last forever. Think that peace is absent when there is trouble in your life – Trouble and bad times will happen, but we can have peace through Jesus who has already overcome the world.
God’s Guidance:
Psalms 29:11 (NIV) – “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV) – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
John 14:27 (NIV) – “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.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) – “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:7 (NIV) – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Psalms 4:8 (NIV) – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Isaiah 55:12 (NIV) – “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Romans 16:20 (NIV) – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) – “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
John 16:33 (NIV) – ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””
Application:
1. Declare Psalms 4:8 in your own words over whatever situations you run into, like this: In peace, I will __ and __, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety
2. Ask God to help you to live in peace with everyone your around
3. Reflect on and talk to God about how His peace protects your heart and mind
Strength Point:
If our God of peace will soon crush the devil, He can also crush any evilness or situation that you encounter.
Prayer Prompt:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for Your great peacefulness! You are a God of peace and calm. I’m sorry for when I dwell in the chaos, violence, stress, and __ of the world around me. Help me to be more focused on You and root myself in Your calming presence over all the chaos I’m experiencing. I pray that I would take the time to do this daily by spending time with You. Teach me to be gentle as I push against the violence and harshness of life. Let those around me to recognize that I fight back with gentleness and show them that they can do the same. Remind me to call on You for peace, instead of wallowing in my stress and fears. For I know that Your peace is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. Thank You, God, for always being right next to me. Thank You that through Your Spirit I can be peace for those in my life, help me to share it often. I love You, my gentle Savior!
A Prayer to Pray Over Others:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for Your great peacefulness! You are a God of peace and calm. I pray for my friend today, Lord. Help them not to dwell in the chaos, violence, stress, and fears of this world. Instead, I pray that they would focus more on You and root themselves in Your calming presence over all the chaos they’re experiencing. I pray that they would take the time to do this by spending time with You. Teach them to be gentle, just as You’re teaching me, as we push against the violence and harshness of life. Let those around my friend to recognize that they fight back with gentleness. Help them all to do the same. Remind my friend to call on You for peace, instead of living in their stress and fears. Let them know the experience of having Your peace touch their hearts and minds. Thank You, God, for always being right next to us. Thank You that through Your Spirit we can be peace for those in our lives, help us to share it often. I love You, my gentle Savior!
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