When we fail to seek God's Word in our circumstances...

...we fail to find God. Our world is so full of relativism. There are no absolutes. No moral boundaries. Some say we're steadily improving socially... others think we relatively stay the same, but the technologies change. I think we're declining.

"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." [[Galatians 5:19-21]]

It's amazing how peace is found nowhere in the sinful nature... the reason is that Christ Himself is our peace [[Ephesians 2]]. The past few days, we have been searching for peace, not knowing what it would look like, not knowing what the next step would look like in this mess that has presented itself.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." [[Galatians 5:22-25]]

He is our peace. It's that simple.

"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.
Of the increase of His government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over His kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this." [[Isaiah 9:6-7]]

Peace comes with the increase of government. Until we surrender our lives to the government of God and of His grace, we will never ourselves know peace.

For He Himself is our peace.

"Love can change us. Love can make a way." [[Chris Rice]]

Our God, who is perfect and sovereign and holy, came to die for us: to conquer death and sin and set us free into the peace that He brings.

He became man because we could never become God.

"It was grace because it cost so much and it cost so much because it was grace." [[Dietrich Bonhoeffer]]

So, at the end of the day, despite my exhaustion and my heavy heart, I can still rest in His peace... Amen.

"You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in You." [[Isaiah 26:3]]

Mood: Heavy-Laden and Peaceful Listening to: Chris Rice, Deep Enough to Dream
Reading: Matthew 5-6