RUN RUN RUN!

I've heard it said that people are in one of three states: 

• In a trial 
• Just coming out of a trial 
• Headed toward a trial

That pretty much captures everybody- because that's just the way that life is- and as Christians, we aren't exempt from life's trials, hard times, etc. However, as Christians, we have the ability to have peace in whatever season of life we find ourselves in.  We have the ability to have peace, but do we exercise that ability in our everyday lives- when we need it? Do we really believe that we can have peace in the midst of hard times? We should- The Bible says so...

Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." 

Peace is defined as: 

•  cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.
• freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, anobsession, etc.
• a state of tranquility or serenity
• silence; stillness

Now, I'm not sure I can speak for everyone; but I know that throughout my days, there's hardly ever time for "silence" or "stillness"; and if we don't watch it- it begins to affect our lives and take it's toll on our mind, will, and emotions. Instead of finding out peace/rest/joy in Christ- we find it in tv shows, food, relationships, -fill in yours here-, etc. We run to those things when Christ is our defender. He's our Peace-keeper. He's the one that leads us (Psalms 23).

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,but you would have none of it. You said, 'No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, 'We will ride off on swift horses.' Therefore your pursuers will be swift!" - Isaiah 30:15-16

Our salvation comes from repentance and rest! Our strength comes from quietness and trust! Rest and Quietness = Peace?  But like the Israelites, we take things in our own hands- and we run from the the God of peace, the God of rest, the God of hope. and what we need to do is run to Him- when things are chaotic, when things are difficult, when we are broken, when we don't have peace. If you keep reading on down in Isaiah 30, verse 18 seems to be of a comfort for those of us who don't always run the right way: 

¹⁸Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

HA! He longs (to have an prolonged desire or unfulfilled need) to be gracious! He can't stand it- He wants to be good to us because that's what God is: good. He is the definition of good.

Anyway- I hope that through your day- whether you're in a trial, coming out of a trial- or all is good- you have a peace that passes all understanding. Take a minute to listen Chris McClarney's Defender. 

You’re my Defender   I hide my hope in You

You are the loving arms my broken heart can run to

I will remember

That there is nothing You can’t do

For You are God

You are good

And I surrender

You’re my Defender