Father God, You are our Creator God, the very breath in our lungs belongs to You. You are in control, though we don’t always under stand why things have to happen. This morning family will be gathering to say goodbye to XXXXXX. Those of us who can’t be there will be there in our hearts and minds. I ask Father that you pour out Your peace and comfort upon this gathering. Our hearts are so heavy and hurting; even breaking. We may not understand why this happened, but we place our trust into Your hands, knowing that You will some how bring good out of this. XXXXXX was loved by so many people and his presence will be missed. Wrap us in Your arms Father, guide XXXXXX and the family in the days, weeks and months to come. Give the whole family strength and Your peace in this time of grief. Let us seek You in all ways and in all things. Bind us together in love, Father. In Jesus name, Amen .

This is the prayer I wrote and posted online last Friday; the morning of the funeral for my 13 year-old great-nephew. My family is large and has a huge presence on Facebook; I wanted to offer help and comfort in their time of need. He had committed suicide.

Needless to say we were all devastated. Our hearts broken; our peace shattered. For myself, his came at a time when I was just beginning to recover from a bad flare up concerning my health. I immediately felt the stress upon my body.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

As a believer I am thankful I have a loving, concerned Father, whom I can turn to for help. Many, many prayers have followed this tragedy. God has lovingly given me His peace time and time again.

We can need His peace and comfort for many reasons other than a death. Financial hardships, health problems, marital discord, struggles in school; the list is endless really.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3

~~~

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

Just this past week, my sister and her family in Southern California experienced two rather large earthquakes. That’s a bit unsettling, wouldn’t you say? It tends to take away any feeling of peace and safety. For many causes we may seek the comfort that only God can give us. That is what He wants also. He wants to help us, He wants us to go to Him. His arms are always open to us.

I belong to many online groups, where multiple people ask for prayer, seeking comfort. The need for peace is everywhere; and there is no better place to find it than in God’s loving arms and in His word.

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Psalm 119:165

The very reason Jesus came was to give us back the peace we lost when sin entered the world. Sin tore peace from our grip as it separated us from fellowship with God. Once the sacrificial system was implemented, then fellowship could be restored with our sins being covered; but that system was only temporary for God knew that endless sacrifices couldn’t permanently take care of the problem. That is why He sent Jesus to be the final, perfect sacrifice. Only through His death and resurrection could our true peace be restored.

 

But He was pierced for our transgressions,

He was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on Him,

and by His wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Jesus paid the price so we could have this peace. Not the worldly temporary peace that fades away as soon as the next problems arises. No, as sons and daughters, the Father gives us a sustaining peace that cannot be taken away; a peace that passes all human understanding.

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.

John 14:27

~~~

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

God’s peace doesn’t mean we will never have trouble, never be stressed, never worry. Having His peace will mean that as soon as we recognize the stress, worry or problem, we go to Him in prayer, believing He is in control and will be with us no matter what. We have a God in whom we can trust! He has promised us that in His word.

We need to claim His word, believe it and leave our problems and worries in His hands. Every time they come back to mind, send it off to God again. Rebuke the enemy for trying to drag you back down into what God has freed us from. Then at the day’s end, you can rest easy leaving all in our Father’s care.

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17

~~~

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Until next time, God bless.

~Brenda

Phot Credit: Photorama @ Pixabay.com