2 Corinthians 13:11
There is a card I have been using to hold my place in my bible as I’ve gone through 2 Corinthians. A dear friend gave it to me one year after my husband was interred at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. The card ministered to my spirit so profoundly that I wanted to have it close to read again and again. This is what it says.
Whatever comes your way today – circumstances around you or feelings within you. . . be certain of God’s still, small voice saying, “You are Mine. . . I love you. . . and I’ll never let you go.”
Those are such precious words to me – to anyone grieving really. But not just grieving – a person could be experiencing all sorts of turbulence. These words soothe my heart. They bring me peace.
Lately, I have seen “love” and “peace” in scripture in several places. It’s not a coincidence. My heart has been experiencing a lot of turbulence lately. Sometimes life just seems hard — sometimes unfair – and sometimes we just hurt from discouragement or other reasons. We need to know we are loved. We need peace – but not just any peace. We need God’s peace.
2 Corinthians 13:11 says “. . . the God of love and peace shall be with you.” (NASB) In the last 4 verses of this chapter, Paul mentions God’s love and peace twice. I needed to read my card AND I needed to see again in scripture that God does indeed love me as well as have the kind of peace He gives. God has my attention.
Does this come instantly like magic? Do I suddenly feel perfectly fine? NO. What DOES happen is this. As I turn my focus to my heavenly Father, read His word and offer my broken, troubled spirit, He comforts me. He stills my heart. He tells me again that He loves me. He reminds me that while others may leave, He will not. He’s with me every step, every hour, every moment. I am not alone. And I feel His peace wash over me. I still have turbulence, but I choose peace. Life isn’t perfect, but I choose peace. My heart is still hurting, but God’s hand gently touches my heart. he will stay till the tears subside and I finally rest in Him. How awesome is that???
Just in case you’re reading this and are having a rough time too, reach out to God. Realize you are not alone. Talk to Him. Lay it all out. Cry, crumble, lay your heart on the altar. God will pick you up. He will never leave you. And His incredible peace will wash over you.
Dear one – – – – I pray you will see and know that the God of love and peace will be with you – – – -always.