God Leads Us to Peace

 “He lets me rest in green meadows;

He leads me beside peaceful streams.”

-Psalms 23:2 NLT

Two simple sentences. King David needed nothing more to capture one of God’s most beautiful qualities. He leads us into peace. God takes our hand and leads us to “rest in green meadows” and “beside peaceful streams.”

We don’t pick peace – at least, not on our own and not for the long haul.

Some folks struggle to take complete control of their circumstances, while others just feel victimized. But in the end, they both wind up tied in knots. The control freak churns inside over what’s outside his control; the victim stews in his own juices. Nobody settles into a lasting peace.

I sure don’t. I’m a hardcore control freak. Also, don’t forget my expertise at avoiding the facts. But eventually the facts catch up with me and, when it comes to having peace, all bets are off. I face my limits and churn. That’s when God steps in.

What King David packed into two quick breathes, Scripture elaborates into a rock opera.

The prophet Isaiah found “perfect peace” in God:

You will keep in perfect peace

All who trust in you,

All whose thoughts are fixed on you!

-Isaiah 26:3 NLT

Shortly before Jesus Christ marched up Calvary to the cross, he told his disciples that he was leaving them with peace:

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

-John 14:27 NLT

You see, Christ knew he could seal the deal. He’d already promised to send the Holy Spirit to live inside everyone who trusts in His name. Because of the cross, God’s power inhabits God’s people. On the inside.

Check out John 14:16-17 and Ephesians 1:13. You’ll find all the goods there.

Just like Christ promised, the Holy Spirit leads God’s people to peace:

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

Romans 8:6 NLT 

The Apostle Paul cut straight to it:

            Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank             Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything you                can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

            Philippians 4:6-8 NLT

Let’s be real honest.

Sometimes, we don’t look for the Spirit. Fear has worked such a number on us that we don’t go looking for the Spirit or the peace he promises. We’re vulnerable.

King David knew, deep down in his core, that the Spirit comes after us – even when we’re not looking for him. No place is beyond the Spirit. David shouted:

I can never escape from your Spirit!

I can never get away from your presence!

 

If I go up to heaven, you are there;

If I go down to the grave, you are there.

If I ride the wings of the morning,

If I dwell by the farthest oceans,

Even there your hand will guide me,

And your strength will support me.

 

Psalms 139:7-10 NLT

Sitting in your fear, never forget that. The Spirit is right there with you, if you’ve been washed in Christ’s blood. He’ll “guide” and “support” you. His peace will “guard” your heart and your mind. He will lead you to “life and peace.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has promised to keep you “in perfect peace.”

Christ flat-out said we ain’t gonna get peace anyplace else. It’s a gift the world “cannot give.”

Go ahead. Ask God for the peace He promised. Then be still.

Watching for God’s Promises to Come,

- Alan