Peace Taken, Peace Given

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 NIV

One question.

One question from the enemy to Eve was enough to create doubt, cause second guessing of God’s guidance, and make Eve justify her actions.

One question ushered sin into the world…and took away our peace.

Think about it. Adam and Eve had no worries. They didn’t have to wonder where their next meal would come from. They had no concerns about clothing, shelter, or making a living. They lived with God in the beautiful Garden of Eden.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. Genesis 3:6 NIV

They were at peace with God, each other, and within themselves. But one question made Eve doubt, wonder, and want something she thought she didn’t have…and when that happened, her peace was gone.

Peace (as defined in my New Living Translation Bible, Tyndale)

-is a state of tranquility or quiet;

-harmony in personal relationships, especially with God;

-freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.

I think it’s fair to say all of these descriptions of peace were gone when sin entered our world.

Adam and Eve now had the same concerns many of us have—food, shelter, and supporting a family. They now worried about the “what-ifs” and “how-will-I’s.” They now knew the feelings of anger, regret, shame, and sadness.

In one sinful decision, peace was taken away.

And in one loving sacrifice only He could make, God gave us the way to find peace once again through His One and Only Son, Jesus.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NIV

In this life of storms and trials, I don’t understand the way God gives me peace. I can’t explain it. But I know it’s real. And I know it’s from Him.

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 NIV

Peace comes when we trust God and focus our thoughts on Him.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLT

He promises strength and peace…

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV

He offers love and compassion…

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. Isaiah 30:18 NLT

Each time the enemy tries to steal my peace, every time worry and anxiety wrap around my insides, Jesus promises the help I need…exactly when I need it…                                                                 

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 The Message

And that gives me peace.

Thank you for joining me here today. If you are studying Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises with us, we are in Chapter 3 “Peace…I’m Afraid and Feel Alone.”

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, On Your Heart Tuesday, Just Write, Soli Deo Gloria, Women Living Well Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, God-Bumps and God-Incidences. Worship Wednesday, Unwrapping His Promises, and WholeHearted Home.