Peace is the experience of those in love with God’s Word. Loving the Word is not demonstrated by how much you can recite it but by how much it governs your actions. When you love the Word, which has preeminence in your life, you are not disturbed or distracted by situations or circumstances. There is peace. The Word and its direction govern actions that come from your emotions and feelings. In times of triumph, the Word and its truth give way to praise, gratitude, and adoration. In times of trial, the Word and its truth give way to thanksgiving, remembrance, and renewed trust. At all times and in all things, the Word provides direction, comfort, clarity, insight, strength, hope, and assurance. Sometimes, all of these are at once, and sometimes only one, but it is always enough to anchor and help you.
Beloved, a love for the Word, brings a perspective and understanding of things that cannot be shaken by rumor, innuendo, pettiness, envy, or flattery. It is your protection from deception and imbalance. But again, I remind you that strength and power do not come from simply reciting it. Truth be told, hearing is even a little more nuanced than we often teach, but consider this: if listening to sound bites alone would get you closer to God, then we’d be in a different situation in the world. Still, the truth remains as the Bible declares that you must hear with the heart and a commitment to obey. If you’ve ever wondered how you or anyone else can hear the word and not experience lasting change. Please know it is not a failure on God’s end, nor is he delaying his mighty power. The hearer must hear with a heart inclined to obey. The thrill that comes from what you hear will dissipate if you listen, dance, and shout but do not obey the word. It is the power that comes from the word that sustains. So then your heart must declare, I WILL OBEY THE WORD, for it is in the obedience that you experience the true power and liberty that comes from its truth. The one who knows this truth walks in peace. The noise of the world does not easily move him. He is busy with his work and keeps his heart toward the Lord. The storm does not move him, nor is he restless in times of peace. He has learned to be content and to find delight in the Lord, knowing that all things work together for His good. He trusts in God and God’s plan.
May the love of God reign in your heart and mind today as the wisdom of this Word moves you into a deeper relationship with him so that your life may reveal that He created you and He is faithful to do everything He started. May you know the experience of extraordinary peace.
Blessings to you