Peace In The Storm

A couple who are very dear to my husband and me are on their way to Maine this morning to visit his father who may be dying.

It is a gray and dreary day here in my part of the world  and my heart is heavy at the sorrow and uncertainty that awaits them at their destination. I made a similar drive 10 years ago when we got word that my dad had suffered a heart attack and I can still remember the feelings of anguish and fear like it happened yesterday.

No matter the age, one is never truly ready to lose a parent.

This year, I have been using a little calendar called Standing On The Promises Of God. in my devotional time. Each day, there is one promise to read. Without fail, I have found that whatever promise is given, it has applied to what I would face that day. It is such an enormous comfort and joy to hear my Savior’s voice so clearly and powerfully.

Today’s verse was Philippians 4:7. And God’s peace shall be yours (that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Amplified).

That is such a beautiful verse but I was unfamiliar with the term “garrison” so I researched it and it means: “to occupy with troops…any military post, especially a permanent one…fortified stronghold…synonyms: harbor, home.”

I think that paints a beautiful word picture of what Jesus does for us when fear hits hard and fast.

He stands in front of us and takes the hit for us. He cushions the blow, turns around, and envelops us in His love where we are safe and secure and gives us the strength to stand.

Jesus IS our safe harbor in the storm. Jesus IS our home. Jesus IS our stronghold.

Colossians 3:3 says that our lives as believers are hidden in Christ. That means that whatever comes to us must come through Him first. Since He has promised to work ALL things together for our highest good and His highest glory (Romans 8:28) we can know without a doubt that whatever He allows has come with great purpose and intention.

The use of the term “troops” in the definition of  garrison caused me to think of one of my very favorite life verses from Habakkuk 3:19: The Lord God is my Strength, my invincible army;…He will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror but to walk) and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering, and responsibility. (Amplified).

Do you realize that we have the power of an invincible army living inside of us through the Spirit of Christ?!

The word invincible means: “powerful, strong, unbeatable, unconquerable, undefeatable, untouchable, unyielding.”

That means that when trouble comes, you can confidently say—not about yourself but about Christ in you—:

I am powerful.

I am strong.

This will not beat me.

This will not conquer me.

This will not defeat me.

The Enemy cannot touch me.

I will not yield to fear.

So, when you are facing your fearful situation, take and accept His precious gift of peace! He tells you in Phil. 4:7 that it is yours for the taking…which means we can turn it down and give in to fear and worry instead, bringing upon ourselves all manner of strife. However, there is a much better way.

Let Him fight the battle for you while He saturates your heart with His supernatural peace.

And remember that when your heart is breaking, His was broken first…for you.

You are loved.

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul.