Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 10, 2020
Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble. Psalm 119:165 (NKJV)
I recently went on a hike with my family, exploring the beauty and wonder of the Appalachian foothills as fall slowly gives way to winter. Trees that just months ago were densely laden with green foliage now stand barren and empty. However, though the trees may change with the seasons, the rocks and roots that line the trail are remarkably consistent! As such, in order to avoid stumbling and falling, one must remain attentive and alert, constantly observing the steps taken and obstacles that may present themselves.
Peace is not the absence of conflict but is the sure and steady conviction that God is with us in the struggles and challenges of this life. When Psalm 119 speaks of peaceful people who do not stumble, it does not mean their journey is lacking the possibility of stumbling, neither does it mean the absence of very real hardship and difficulty. In fact, as we are reminded elsewhere in Scripture, “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
When we love the ways of the Lord, we see his hand at work in every area of our lives, even in moments of profound weariness. This clarity of vision keeps us from being crushed by the weight of the world. We learn instead to see our story through his grand unfolding narrative, and therefore are able to navigate the rocks and roots that threaten to bring us down, seeing them instead for what they truly are: an invitation to grow and be transformed in and through the trials of this life.
You and I spend much of our lives avoiding conflict, often assuming it to be easier and safer if we simply sit it out altogether. Understandable as this may be, transformation, not safety, is the pathway for every follower of Christ. And in the mystery of God’s will, we are transformed in and through struggle, not by avoiding it. So, whatever you may be facing today, take heart and fix your eyes on Christ and the ways of his Kingdom, and continue on in your journey of faith, one peaceful step at a time.
Prayer
Father, help us to continue on our journey of faith, trusting that you will lead us through times of trial and into places of peace, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
What challenge or difficulty in your faith journey has left you sidelined and afraid to continue in your walk with the Lord?
Related Reading
Isaiah 37:12; Psalm 37:37; 1 John 2:10
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What a timely message, personally and as a nation. Thank you Tripp, for the reminder that no matter what is going on, we have a Wise Father by our side.
Blessings, Gwynne
Thank you, Gwynne! I miss chatting with you!
~Wendy