Peace in the Valley

The news has become a thorn in my side. If someone isn't "coming out" they are getting shot. I am not quite sure what to think about these times, but can only lean on my understanding that we may be living in the last days. This chaotic and emotionally charged nation is getting pushed to the edge and breaking down. It is as if we are bursting at the seams and fighting each other for the top. I don't quite understand what it means to be at the top and why anyone wants all of the attention that being on top could bring to you. The top is said to be the loneliest place, because you have to be so secluded and protected. There are times when I can see popular people on top as if they are real, but cocooned from the real world. Their real selves are somewhere inside in order to please the fans, members or people who long to be entertained in some way. So, what's so good about having it all when you can't walk down the street to window shop or get a bite to eat?

In looking back over everything I have read in the Bible, I find that the popular people or the ones in the spotlight had to fight or were being fought by the enemies of God. The enemies of God were anyone who opposed His will and His plan for His people. It is like there is war after war to achieve what was rightfully given to each man -- peace, joy and freedom.  It is almost like our pursuit of happiness (like in the old days).  We longed for a home, car and a college degree; because we thought if we made $35,000 a year and retired at 50 or 55 that was heaven on earth. Now that I am older and have a better understanding of peace and joy, I know that there is no one in the Bible who did a job, managed the sheep and just retired to live happily ever after. There was a battle for land, a war on their peace and joy was just over the river. Joy was in the presence of our Father in heaven and even that took a little initiative on their part or work.

Lord, help me to have peace in the valley. Each day can bring a bump in the road or a mountain that tumbles to the valley. Give me victory in the battle called life and let me war against the hindering spirits sent to steal, kill and destroy my peace.  Because I have you, Lord, I know that all things are possible and even peace is achievable in a cold, dark world full of confusion and strife. I declare victory in the valley and peace for weary souls. In Jesus Name, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 1  - New International Version (NIV)

1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

² We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Just When I Thought I Found Peace

Have you ever made it to a place where you thought you were out of one drama and walking into peace?  Only, the peace lasted for a few week and you were back in the middle of a different kind of chaos and you are just as tired as you were before.

Why is it that Satan always hits you with something old in your newly created life,  new job or new season?  It could be that he knows our weaknesses and like in The Art of War: " In battle, confrontation is done directly, victory is gained by surprise."  So, we might think that all is in the past, but the enemy finds a way to drag it up again to kick you in the gut.  In The Art of War, you kick your man when he is down and you fight to win by killing him. 

There is a war waged everyday against good people who try to do the right thing.  The old saying, "no good deed goes unpunished" has been true far too many times.  I believe it is a tactic of the enemy to keep us from doing good.  If we shut off all contact with people and hibernate to that place where we can on indulge our own thought and needs, no good is done in the world. The hungry are not feed and the lost are not found. We won't love or help our neighbor, let alone a stranger in need. 

Could it be that the very 'Art of War' is the the Art of Living.  Everyday you fight to do better, live longer and overcome evil with good.  Daily we are attacked physically with pain, mentally with thought of how bad we are and emotionally by fear and regrets.  In Revelations 12:12 it states,"We are overcomers by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies".  Let's start talking back to the thoughts that try to flood our minds with doubt, anxiety and fear.  When the enemy comes in like a flood (flooding our thoughts with negative words), the Spirit of God is there to raise up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19).

I have peace in knowing that even in The Art of War it states, "every matter requires prior knowledge".  The book ends with the following:  "It will not do for the army to act without knowing the opponent's condition, and to know the opponent's condition is impossible without espionage".  The Bible says, "the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9). 

Lord, give us peace in the valley places of this life. In Jesus name, Amen!