Hurricane Floyd roared ashore on September 16, 1999. It was the last hurricane I endured while in North Carolina. The storm in the days ahead was ferocious and many people had feared the worse as it caused the largest evacuation at the time. I took up shelter at the church’s gymnasium and listened to the frightful winds blow vehemently against the sides. The power had long gone out and the only source of sight was the brief flashes of lightning that silhouetted the horizon. I could make out the trees bending beneath the power of the gale force winds and the wind-driven rain had turned the parking lot into a raging river. Through it all, I was dry and calm. Though the storm raged beyond the walls of the gymnasium, inside was a tranquil scene. Families gathered for card games beside their battery operated lanterns. Children shared stories and jokes as their laughter permeated above the sounds of the raging storm outside. Men and women of various ages gathered to tell tales and share memories, while their faces glowed by the soft candlelight highlighting their radiant smiles. Peace. Often when a significant event happens in the life of a Israelite, they would build an altar for worship and remembrance. Gideon built an altar for the Lord had promised him peace and endurance for the task that he had been befitted for. He called it Jehovahshalom – the Lord is peace. Gideon’s peace is a result of his faith. Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the LORD. So Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face.” Then the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:22-24). The peace God offers is not necessarily without, but within. Paul in the midst of a raging storm was the epitome of peace and comfort. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. (Acts 27:22-25). Paul’s comfort and peace like Gideon’s was a result of his faith. How can we have peace? Only through God. We can have peace in our journeys knowing that God will protect us. Much like Daniel in the lion’s den, we are surrounded by an engaging enemy and his forces who threaten to shake our very faith. Their agenda is to dissuade you and to discourage you. Like David we can walk with peace knowing that God is watching us. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8). The world is filled with violent rage. The world cannot give us peace. It does not have peace to offer. But Jesus, our redeeming Savior, through His life, death, and resurrection gives us a peace the world could never understand. It is a peace so personal and divine that stills our very soul amid the troubled waters. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) It is through Him that we have peace with God. His sacrifice for our sins provides a covering that turns back sin’s clouding of our union with Him. Peace. His peace. It is given to us when we humbly bow on bended knees with a contrite and worshipful heart. It fills us. It comforts us. It reassures us. It enables us. Instead of fretting over your burdens that you carry, give it over to God, He will replace it with peace, comfort, and assurance. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7). The peace He offers is lighter than any burden we bear. Come those who are weary and heavy hearted. Come to Jesus, let Him take your burdens. He is peace and He offers peace, won’t you take it?
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