Peace, Perfect Peace??

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, or future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

Peace, Perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.

It is enough: earth's struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus, call us to heaven's perfect peace.
AMEN
(Edward H. Bickersteth, 1875)

“In 1875, while Edward Bickersteth was vacationing in Harrowgate, England, he heard a sermon on Isaiah 26:3, 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee' (KJV). The minister explained that the original Hebrew read, “Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace...' In Hebrew the repetition of the word indicates intensity or perfection. That afternoon Bickersteth visited a dying relative. When he found the man deeply distressed, he withdrew for a while and wrote this hymn. Then he returned to read Scripture and to share the comforting lines he had written.”
(Taken from The One Year Book of Hymns, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1995, Sept. 10)

The Prince of Peace has come and He gave us these words:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let
not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have
tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

May you find comfort in these words from the Prince of Peace,who came to this earth to provide you with His peace, dying in your place, paying the penalty for your sins and rising from the dead to give you life eternal when you put your faith and trust in Him.

May God's peace rest on you today,

THIS GOD - MY GOD

THIS GOD – MY GOD

While meditating on Psalm 18 I was struck with the descriptions of God and with the verbs describing His actions. I encourage you to read the Psalm before reading my ramblings. We have a great God.

This God is – my Strength, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my God, my Rock of Refuge, my Shield, the Horn of my Salvation, my Stronghold.

When I call to this God, He hears, He acts, He answers, He delivers, He rescues, He comforts. He supports, He light my lamp and lightens the darkness, He strengthens, He steadies, He secures, He rewards. He shows Himself merciful, blameless, pure, and shrewd. He equips He trains, He provides, He elevates and makes great, He avenges and subdues, He exalts.

This God will take care of the battles for me. He will deal with any enemy I may have or encounter. Salvation belongs to Him.

Although written by David as a song of praise after the LORD rescued Him from Saul and his enemies, it is recorded for me and for all who love God. This God who answered David's cries for help, will answer my cries for help. He delights to answer the prayers of His children. Indeed, “This God – His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?” (Psalm 18:30,31ESV)