“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
This verse was read recently just before the communion service and as I often do I looked back at the preceding verse. The words from verse 5 sort of jumped off the page as I read them. “. . . God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” The verb, poured, is such a vivid picture in my mind. The Apostle Paul didn’t use dripped, sprinkled, or even served. He said poured. I think of a full, flowing stream that never ends. God’s love continuously flows into our hearts. That’s a powerful thought!
Love is not the only fruit of the Spirit that should be evident in my life. Looking back at Romans 5:1-5 I see the source of peace and joy as well. With Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection I am justified through faith. I stand in God’s grace just as though I hadn’t sinned. I can certainly rejoice in the hope I have in knowing I’m forgiven. Then Paul continues by saying we also rejoice in our sufferings. I don’t rejoice very much when I’m suffering. I’m sure no one does. So I thought about these verses some more. Verse one says we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. I think it is this peace that helps us rejoice in our sufferings, not because we are suffering, but because Jesus is working in our lives.
“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 3b-4). The Holy Spirit helps us through our suffering, building and shaping our character, making us useful in His Kingdom. I find it takes a great deal of trust to allow God to work through my suffering. As I trust, He leads a step at a time, giving me hope that He will never leave me to go through life alone. I find peace through my suffering-peace that is a quiet assurance of God’s faithfulness and love. Peace follows love-the love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Peace also follows prayer. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I have found the more I suffer, the more I need to pray. Prayer is my lifeline and the way to peace. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Jesus suffered on the cross. That brought me peace with God. I am no longer an enemy of God when I accept His offer of peace. Just before Jesus’ suffering on the cross He made this promise. “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). Jesus lives today to prove we need not be troubled or afraid. Praise God!
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
That message from God is so very clear, so very powerful…awesome awesome awesome…and it is Perfect Peace…sure is!
Thanks for this post. Lately, my heart has been dancing in His Peace and I don’t want to stop!
Hugs to you!