(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Kiss the Wave – LISTEN HERE)
Where do you find peace when the waves of life come crashing in?
Years ago, a member invited us to a day on his 30 foot sail boat out in the Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. It was a memorable experience, but not one I have any desire to do again. Not that anything bad happened. In fact, it was a great day for sailing…I guess. However, I just remember as soon as the wind blew and the sail boat started tipping at a 20-30 degree angle, I was uneasy and was convinced just one more gust of wind and the boat would topple.
I had no peace until we were back on shore.
Does life ever seem like it’s hard to find peace?
New headlines scream of world tension, financial recession, moral decay, criminals idolized, deviance normalized, children terrorized, and more. It seems at times like you can’t trust anyone and perhaps need to get “off the grid” and away from people to find peace.
Or do we?
Escaping life is an answer to the waves of life (which is not the best answer), however, if we engage in any fashion in life, the waves from within and without are going to blow us and if we are not grounded in peace, the boat of life may tip over.
At the bottom of a sailboat is a very heavy keel. It is what keeps the boat from tipping over as the wind blows against it.
Perhaps the keel that keeps us upright and moving through the winds and waves of life is the keel of peace, that is sunk deeply into our hearts to prevent us from spiritually toppling when the waves come.
But where do we find that peace?
We can look in the world around us and try to find a place or perspective that assures us we are ok in spite of the crazy times in which we live. We can try to find peace in an amount of dollars that we have to buy our hearts peace at times through vacations, recreation, or addictions.
But that peace doesn’t last. The world can only give a temporary peace.
So from where does a peace come that will last and surpass the waves that come?
John 20:19-20 Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Peace comes from knowing the Lord is present. The disciple’s fear changed to joy when Jesus joined them. The reality of the resurrection was affirmed. Jesus was alive. This very Jesus has promised his presence to all as he promised before he left, “I am with you always to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18)
Peace comes from knowing the Lord’s promises.
As Jesus prayed for his disciples, he also reminded his disciples that the Spirit would remind them of all the things he had taught. His words and his promises were to be with them so that as they went through life, the words of Jesus would bring peace to their hearts.
John 14:25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” 27 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.
So, where do we find peace when the waves beat against us? In the presence and promises of the Lord.
Apply: What promises of God bring you the most peace? Find 2-3 key promises of God in his Word and commit them to memory to bring peace to your soul when it is troubled. Let the wave drive you to the presence and promises of God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your powerful promises that instill solid and lasting peace in our hearts. AMEN.