Peace and Quietness in the Lord   

Isaiah 32.1, 14-20

In the midst of a world of tensions we have hope; in a time of wars and rhetoric about war, we have hope; in days of uncertainty, we have hope; in the rumblings of life, we have hope. The believer has hope in the promise of eternity, when Christ will gloriously reign supreme on the earth, when war will be replaced with ultimate peace and security, and when the tensions of life will be replaced with joy and contentment. But the believer can also have hope in these days, which is the result of God’s gift of salvation, and the subsequent effect on our lives of peace and security. In the midst of personal trials and struggles, in the midst of weariness and pain, in the midst of world ambiguity and geopolitical tension there is hope. And the effects of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32.17-18).

The effects of righteousness will be peace: the effects of the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ in His righteousness gives the believer peace, both with God and in the midst of life, as we know our holy Lord is sovereign over all. The result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever: knowing Christ as Savior the believer is able to live in quietness and trust. In quietness there is contentment and security in Christ, regardless of the life events; there is a restful heart even though life swirls about us; there is the quietness of the Spirit of God in the midst of the noise of the world. In trust, one is able to fully rely upon the sovereign work of the Lord, knowing He knows everything we experience and need to endure, everything that is happening across our world, everything that surrounds us. Our Lord is never surprised. In His sovereign design He is working all things together for our good, and He will be glorified. Therefore, may we pray in this day to rest in our Lord, knowing His righteousness has given us hope.

In peace and quietness – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry