Lying awake in bed late at night and tossing and turning, the tormenting thoughts and disturbing emotions were relentless, forbidding rest, much less sleep. All attempts at relief, all the usual remedies, were not working. The grief and nagging hurt continued as the minutes slowly passed into hours. Nothing seemed to soothe the fretful brow, to restore peace.
Although knowing that internal peace is the inheritance of believers, that peace was taking a severe beating. The fight for peace to remain was fierce, and the promise was unchanged.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Phil 4:7
Reality was not matching the promise, so it was time to take a closer look. The prior verse showed the condition for the promise:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” ~ Phil 4:6
The problem seemed to lie in leaving the request in confident trust with the Lord, while the painful situation remained apparently unresolved.
The Spirit of God brought this reminder:
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” ~ Isa 53:5 KJV
This phase means “the whipping for our shalom fell upon Him” (with my thanks to David Alsobrook http://www.davidalsobrook.com for the definition).
The Crown of Pain and Mockery
He took the beating for our peace. This was amplified to me as I thought about the crown of thorns.
“And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on Him, and took the reed and {began} to beat Him on the head.” ~ Mat 27:29-30
The soldiers made a crown out of thorns and pushed into His skin. The prickly thorns were a constant source of irritation, compounded by the mockery and beating on His head. Some sources have said this particular type of thorn caused incessant itching as well– relentless, hurting, irritating barbs without relief.
What an illustration of mental and emotional distress!
The mockery and accusations continued:
“He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. “HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE {Him} now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.'” ~ Matt 27:42-43
As a parallel, in our times of distress, similar accusing thoughts attack our minds, asking, “Where is your God? Why hasn’t He done anything?”
These accusations do not resolve the pain or solve any problem, but are only instruments of torment, designed to bring fear, guilt, and doubt, to further keep us from experiencing the peace of God.
His Thorns for Our Peace
Each part of Jesus’ suffering has provided a corresponding remedy for us. He has suffered for us so that we would be victorious and experience the abundant life He promised.
Just as salvation from sin and physical healing are included in the redemption Jesus purchased for us, so is the ability to remain in “perfect peace” (Is 26:3 KJV).
Having these promises of peace, and knowing that He is faithful to keep His word, it is time to have internal peace restored.
Finding Your Way Back to Peace
It may not be a quick or easy path, but the way back to peace is simple for it is tied to faith. Here are some basic steps:
1. Know that peace of mind and emotions is possible and is promised to you.
2. Air your complaint to the Lord, asking for His help, while being willing to have a new perspective and give up the old one, even when you do not understand.
3. Keep returning to the promise which was made possible through Jesus’ suffering on your behalf.
4. Choose to trust God, reaffirming it out loud as often as necessary throughout the day or night.
5. Be thankful for His merciful help, remembering His faithfulness to you in times past.
While resting in the place of peace, it may seem strange not to worry or be aggravated while the situation appears to remain unchanged. That is why this peace is “past comprehension”.
Peace accompanies faith, so that whether the storm passes quickly or not, we will endure in quietness and security in His love and care.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ~ John 14:27
This is our inheritance. We can retain it with the grace He provides.