“The Lord shall establish peace within your borders “ Psalm 147:14
This week I received an email, with the above words as an encouragement in
these troubled times. The invasion of the Ukraine by Russia, and in my own city,
a major weather event with deluges of rain causing flooding over a large area,
and many people lost homes and there has been much damage.
With the internet and media, we have access to seeing world events as they
happen, and often there is a struggle to cope with the assault against our soul –
our emotions and our minds. Questions like “Lord how do I pray in this
situation – it seems so huge?” – arise in our hearts.
However Jesus said in John 14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in
God, and trust also in Me”. Again in John 14:27 Jesus said “Peace I leave with
you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid”.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us ‘Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the
course of your life” NLT. Another translation, “Keep your heart with all
diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life”. NKJV
Holy Spirit dwells in us when we accept Jesus as our Lord, Saviour and Friend.
The fruit/evidence/benefit of His indwelling are the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy,
peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. As
we guard our hearts, these are the issues that will spring forth from our lives.
Also these are the forces that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. So
that indeed our borders (our hearts, minds, souls, emotions) will be established
in peace.
Philippians 4:7 says it like this ‘and the peace of God that passes understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’
Shalom. Kath