Psalm 119:165 AMPC
Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.
A mark of maturity is a strong resistance to offence.
I recall sharing an office with a lady who was so insecure that just looking at her in the wrong way could cause offence.
It was like treading on eggshells each day - never sure what her reaction might be to, say, a joke or casual remark. It could lead to a day of sullen silence! Suffice to say it wasn't a pleasant experience and I was glad when she moved on to pastures new!
Now the question: am I easily offended? Do I get "the grumps" when things don't go my way? Do I even throw "my teddy in the corner" with God at such times?
Even John the Baptist had problems in this area:
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matthew 11:2-6
The verse from Psalm 119 says that "great peace", not just a minuscule bit, but a gigantic peace is with those who love the Law of the Lord. It promises that nothing, no thing, shall offend or make that person stumble.
We live in straitened circumstances right now - facing tight restrictions decreed by our government. It's very easy to lose our peace and feel offended.
The solace, in this instance, is to find peace in God's word. There are so many promises to reassure us that our Heavenly Father cares for us and surrounds us with His protection and provision throughout hard times.
I speak to my own heart right now: "Don't get offended, but get defended by God's Word!"
His promise is to never leave or forsake us, especially when difficulties come and block our path.
Didn't Jesus say:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
The certainty is that we WILL face trouble, but a greater certainty is that Jesus has overcome the world!
I say to my soul, "Keep calm, hold your peace, because God is faithful to His Word"!
Valuable pieces of jewellery are hallmarked, so you can see who made them. Without the hallmark, they are probably fakes!
The hallmark of Jesus' peace should be in the centre of our lives, showing that we belong to Him, made new by Him - so that His Handiwork is plain to see for all.
Philippians 4:6-7 AMPC
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Comments