Our Peace

Then the Lord said to Moses,  “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’ 

Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27

We all want a little peace, don’t we?  I realize we have reached the mid-point of what has been a very challenging and trying year.  From learning to stay at home from fears over the Coronavirus to civic unrest, there is a lot to be concerned about.  Yet today, I feel thankful.  Thankful that I am loved and supported by my wife and children.  Thankful that I have a church community that is very supportive.  Thankful for a job and coworkers whom I both admire and respect.  Thankful for a home that I honestly never thought I would have.  Maybe you do not have some of these things or perhaps you have all of it and then some.  Regardless, perhaps now is the time to just take a moment to just get on your knees and pray.  Lord, you are gracious and almighty.  I am thankful for all you have given me.  Grant me your peace.

Jesus Christ is always our peace.  Today’s verses are about Moses and his sharing with Aaron a blessing to the people of Israel.  As we look over this, one must ask a question.  If I am blessed with this, what would it look like?  Amidst all that is going on, I realize that it is now.  I have so much that He has given me.  Even as I miss out on so many things, I consider myself blessed, protected, smiled upon, shown grace, and favored.  But I still struggled.  Why did I not have peace?  I thought of the words of Jesus when He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NKJV)  Then I focused on the words of David “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV)  These are prayers and words of reassurance that God is with us.  Then as I read today’s verses, I felt peace.  It occurred to me that whenever I am not focusing on God, worry, fear, and darkness follow.  It blinds us from that which is His doing, and that is why peace is so challenging to find.  But when our focus is on Him, calm and ease soon follow.  We see things clearly, and we respond with love, mercy, and gratefulness. His spirit flows freely both within and around us.  That is the blessing, and that is where peace is found.

We must never lose sight of the blessings God has given us.  Even if you face what will be a tough and challenging day, know that God has something special for you in the future.  David said, “This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)  He has so much in store for us if we just rejoice in the many blessings He has already given us.  He’s certainly smiled on us, and even when we didn’t deserve it, He has shown us grace.  We are given His favor in so many ways.  Let us remember those things while looking to Christ to find our peace.  What burdens can you lay before Him today?  Where can you go to find time with God?  My prayer is that we clear our minds of troubles to find time for Jesus Christ, our peace.  Amen.