Monday, April 14 Romans 5:1

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

PEACE

The theme this year for the devotions is “Be Not Afraid.” This verse does not talk about fear or being afraid. It mentions peace. Peace is not the absence of fear or destruction. It is far more.

I spent June 1969 to December 1970 in Vietnam. I was in a comparatively comfortable environment. I seldom thought about fear, let alone peace. Long Binh was about the size of Andover and had a rocket attack about every month with some minor perimeter attacks more often. I just went around doing my job in this huge base. Then I came home to a peaceful situation. The first thing I noticed shortly after returning home was that I had picked up a nervous habit of touching my fingertips with my thumb. I don`t remember ever doing it before. I had not been really afraid, but I also was not at peace.

Things have changed. I gradually have come to peace. God in his majesty has helped me through my family, my church and my support system. I have a family that supports me. I have a church that calms me. I can look with equanimity at the future.

Today is probably the most peaceful day of Lent. All the preparations and the trip to Jerusalem are over. The excitement of Palm Sunday has ended. The drama of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are ahead. Easter was anything but peaceful. But in the days before Easter, Jesus saw a poor woman give her little to God. I look at this widow and see a person who must be fearful about where her next meal will come from or how she will live. Jesus looked at her and saw a person who was at peace with God.

Dear God, I am more like the rich person in the temple than the poor widow. I am not afraid I won`t have a next meal or housing. I have insurance for most of the unknowns of life. At the same time, I do not have the peace of your poor widow. Please help me appreciate all that you have given me. Let me appreciate your grace. Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Amen

Russell Muse

[Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]