Psalm 29:11 - The Lord Gives Strength to His People and Blesses Them With Peace.
Psalm 29:11 (NIV) The LORD gives strength to
his people; the LORD blesses his people with
peace.
INTRODUCTION
Throughout history, God has revealed his
power through mighty miracles over nature, such as
the great Flood (Genesis 6-9). He promises to
continue to reveal his power. Paul urged us to
understand how great God's power is (Ephesians
1:18-23). The same power that raised Christ from the
dead is available to help us with our daily
problems. When you feel weak and limited, don't
despair. Remember that God can give you strength. The
same power that controls creation and raises the
dead is available to you. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
The Prince of Peace
Beginning in 2019, one needed a nervous
system made of barbed wire and hormones made of
turpentine not to have been stressed out, uptight, or
bummed out. Among a pandemic, war, political
turmoil, economic fears, and crime, things were
tough, which helps explain why mental-health
experts warned about rising rates of depression
among Americans.
How nice, then, that today's promise
offers not only strength but peace. The Hebrew word
translated "peace" is shalom, one of the better-known
Hebrew words. To this day, Jews who keep the
Sabbath often greet each other with the phrase
"Shabbat Shalom."
Shalom comes from the root word shim,
which means, depending on the context,
"completeness, soundness, fullness." In the book of Exodus,
for example, in dealing with civil issues and
the need for one person to pay another for
damages, the word translated as "make full
restitution" (22:3) is from shim. In fact, the fuller
meaning of shalom is not merely the absence of
conflict but of being full, complete, and
prosperous.
No wonder Isaiah, in the famous Messianic
prophecy about Jesus, called Him "the Prince of
Peace" (9:6). In Jesus alone we can find that
fullness, completeness, and peace that we all crave.
Thus, as you go about your daily routine
and things get stressful and worrisome, focus on
Jesus, the "Prince of Peace." Dwell on His love, on
His revelation of the character of God, and on
all the ways that He has already shown His care
to you. Do this and you will find shalom in
Him.
Lord Jesus, give me the peace that I so
desperately need at times of worry and stress. [The Most
Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]
COMMENTARY
Positive Thanksgiving
Here is a prescription for overcoming
frustration. Look for something good to come out of
everything that appears bad. How I wish I could hammer
this thought into the mind of every Christian.
Nowadays, it is almost second nature with me to look
for a positive in every negative, but it was not
always so. At one time, whenever anything bad
happened to me, I used to say: "Oh no, not again!
Just when everything seemed to be going right!
Why should this happen to me?" I learned,
however, to apply this principle, and I can honestly
say it has transformed my life and ministry.
This also means learning to thank God for
the good that is emerging, instead of brooding
over any loss that has been sustained. This
positive thanksgiving will make your heart receptive
to God's power. He can do anything with a
thankful heart, but He will usually do little or
nothing with a complaining, self-pitying heart. It
is closed to grace.
Also, find someone who is going through
difficult circumstances, and help them find victory.
Someone has said, "Sorrow expands the soul for
joy. For joy? Yes - the joy of being useful and
creative. God uses frustrating circumstances to prune
you for fruit-bearing.
And the lessons you have learned will go
even deeper as you share them with others.
Expression deepens impression. If you incorporate your
sorrows, they will multiply. And if you incorporate
your blessings, they too will multiply. Learn
this secret, and it will help you stay
spiritually on top - no matter what.
Oh God, Help me not be a whiner but a
worshiper. Help me to cultivate an attitude of
thanksgiving in all things " for I know that all things
serve. I pray in Jesus name. Amen. [Every Day
With Jesus Bible with Selwyn Hughes devotional]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Walk peacefully with Me through this day.
You are wondering how you will cope with all
that is expected of you. You must traverse this
day like any other: one step at a time. Instead
of mentally rehearsing how you will do this or
that, keep your mind on My Presence and on taking
the next step. The more demanding your day, the
more help you can expect from Me. This is a
training opportunity, since I designed you for deep
dependence on your Shepherd-King. Challenging times
wake you up and amplify your awareness of needing
My help.
When you don't know what to do, wait
while I open the way before you. Trust that I know
what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead. I
will give strength to you, and I will bless you
with Peace. (Exo. 33:14; Deu. 33:25; Heb, 13:20,
21; Psa. 29:11) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
I will bless My people with Peace. This
biblical promise is for everyone who trusts Me as
Savior. So when you're feeling anxious, try praying:
"Jesus, bless me with Your Peace. This short,
simple prayer connects you with Me and opens you up
to My help.
Peace and trust in Me are richly
intertwined in My kingdom. The more you lean on Me in
confident dependence, the less fearful you will be. If
your heart is steadfastly trusting in Me, you
need not be afraid of bad news. Because I am both
sovereign and good, you can be confident that this
world isn't spinning out of control. There is
plenty of bad news in the world, but I'm not
wringing My hands impotently. I am continually at
work - even in the most devastating situations -
bringing good out of evil.
My kingdom is about transformation, and I
invite you to join Me in this endeavor. Live as a
child of the Light. Together we will draw others
out of darkness into the Light of My
transforming Presence. (Psa. 29:11; 112:7; Eph. 5:8-10)
[Jesus Always by Sarah Young]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Romans 8:5-6 - Spirit Living.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240226-0838.html
Colossians 3:15 - Let the Peace of God Rule
in Your Hearts.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240408-0826.html
Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God Will
Guard Your Hearts and Your Minds In Christ Jesus.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221004-1051.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
