Fear No Fear

(All scripture from the World English Bible, ebible.org, all rights reserved)

My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace.
Proverbs 3:1-2 (emphasis added)

Why is it that the Lord is always harping on peace? I mean, He really goes on about it. The word ‘peace’ shows up 379 times in the bible. Not all of them are God saying it to us, but that’s a lot of times. My commandments is 42 times. My teaching is 8. Your heart? 208. Heart and peace seem to be frequent subjects. Since Yahweh God is not prone to repeating Himself for the sake of repetition or nagging, it pays to pay attention when themes show up. Best example is Jesus. There are dozens upon hundreds of times in the Old Covenant that the New Covenant is modelled and shadowed. It was so prevalent so that it would not be missed when Jesus came. That His sacrifice could be so well understood that there would be a whole people able to spread the Good News to the rest of creation. Peace is important to the Lord. What we need to know is why.

Strife is defined as bitter, sometimes violent, conflict or dissension. An act of contention. A fight or struggle for superiority. I found it 35 times in the bible and it was always surrounded by other words like: wickedness, deceit, jealousy, anger, foolish, ignorant, disputes, wrath, contentious, beatings, quarrelling, destruction, hatred, burdens, and rebelled. It even made the list of behaviour that highlighted the lives of those in the land of Canaan who were being kicked out or eliminated by the Israelites (as well as others throughout history and even to now who know of God’s ways but still rebel) as cited by Paul in Romans 1:28-32 “Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practise them.” This is clearly a negative trait.

Peace is defined as a state of tranquility or quiet. Freedom from civil disturbance. A state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom. Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions and harmony in personal relations. Daniel C. Arichea, Jr in an article called ‘Peace in the New Testament’ (published in Practical Papers for The Bible Translator Vol. 38, No. 2, April 1987) says: ‘The term ‘peace’ is used in the New Testament in at least five different ways: (1) peace as the absence of war or chaos, (2) peace as a right relationship with God or with Christ; (3) peace as a good relationship among people; (4) peace as an individual virtue or state, that is, tranquility or serenity; and (5) peace as part of a greeting formula.’ He makes the point in the article that when you translate the words for peace literally, they have a negative connotation because they refer to the absence of something you don’t want more than the presence of something you want. Which, when you think of that list in Romans, is probably a good reason that the word shows up so often.

I have to say, it tends to hit my ear as the stereotypical God of Do and Do Not. Peace used to tell us about everything we don’t want. That we want to avoid. Saying if you don’t have peace you’ll be sorry. That is sour compared to my view of God as a just and loving God. It isn’t that it isn’t true from a certain point of view. It just seems — as Daniel pointed out — a very negative way to discuss something that should be a positive. God doesn’t shy from the negatives that can assail us. He does nothing to avoid telling us the consequences of our actions. And He tells us in ways and terms that we understand, which is why the word and the concepts around the word have such a negative connotation. We as a species are fallen. We are selfish, negative people at heart. We see everything in negative terms in this exact way. Even positives we tend to spin with our language to be about what we could lose versus what we could gain. Hey, you got a promotion. That’s great. Because without that you couldn’t afford that new place you’re moving into. You see? A positive spun as a negative, and probably unconsciously.

In that classic oft quoted verse it says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). If you take time to meditate on this verse and then evaluate the words of yourself, those around you, and then those you let into your life (books, entertainment, social media, etc) you will be surprised at how negative we are. Not on purpose, but unconsciously. I’m not even including the news in that. They are supremely negative in almost everything they do as a matter of course because it is their business model. Happy, content people don’t tune in as much as worried, frightened people. And let’s not forget that people in a panic about something — especially the safety of their family or security of their creature comforts — will do a lot of things in order to preserve that lifestyle. Things they wouldn’t do ordinarily. That can be a great way for an individual, company, or governing body to manipulate people into doing what they want. I’m not pointing fingers at any policy or action, I’m stating facts and ideas.

Our verse today follows this pattern of negative positivity at the beginning. “My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments.” Jesus said “You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure of the heart brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). Our flesh was designed to follow what our soul (heart, mind, emotions) tell it to. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace; because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God, for it is not subject to God’s law, neither indeed can it be. Those who are in the flesh can’t please God” (Romans 8:5-8).

It is clear in scripture that we should be following the Lord’s commands and statues. It’s also clear that we have not always done so (Psalm 78). The main idea of obeying/not obeying for a believer in the New Covenant is not rules, but love. We seek to please God because we love God. If we’re flesh-based and following the habits of sin, we can’t please Him. If we are following His ways and living faith-based, we can please Him (Romans 14:23). Therefore, it is vital that we don’t forget his teachings and commandments because they let us know what pleases God. They are the moral compass by which we walk. Not because we have to, but because we want to. How much drinking do I do? All that I want to. How much sleeping around do I do? All that I want to. How many drugs do I take? All that I want to. Whether I want to do these things and others like them or not depends entirely on how my heart levels of Word are.

If I am not putting the Word into my heart, I am not going to succeed in pleasing God. Because I cannot on my own do anything much. I need Jesus in me to do it. If I don’t get the manual of behaviour that pleases God into my heart and mind, I am flailing around when Jesus whispers into my mind. I will have no idea what He is talking about. There will be no common frame of reference. Have you ever had a child come to you and start talking? They don’t give a frame of reference. They don’t use proper grammar. They don’t always even give you the names of the major players in the scenario. They could be talking about a show they saw once five years ago, the thing that is on TV in the other room, something they saw online, a friend from school, a stranger in a story they were told by a guy who they met at the park when they were over avoiding their after school activity. It might even be a dream. You don’t know. And you flounder, giving positive uh-huh, all-right, really, and you don’t says as your brain tries to translate at a thousand miles a moment. Sometimes it clicks and you get it. Sometimes they skip off smiling, having been heard, while you wonder why Frodo was taking the one banana of doom through Narnia with a cartoon pig in order to save the world from mushrooms with popsicles. If the Word isn’t in your heart, you’re in the same place when Jesus talks. No common frame of reference.

The Word is the fuel that drives everything. It is the standard by which we weigh the words of the Lord. Did you hear something prophetic? What is the Word foundation? Did you get told something about yourself? What is the Word foundation? Did you hear a teaching in church you’ve never heard before? What is the Word foundation? Did you realise that that thing you’ve always been taught has been bugging you lately when you hear it? What is the Word foundation? Do you have a problem in life? What is the Word saying about problems? Relationship trouble? The Word. Children problems? The Word. Work issues? The Word. It has something to say about everything. It is the manual for life. With that level of instruction, correction, guidance, and wisdom inside you, you’ll be well-balanced and well-prepared to journey through this world and life. But just like fuel in a vehicle, as we operate we burn through it. We need to always be replenishing the tank. Always putting the Word in. Every word of it. If we don’t understand it, we can pray on it, read commentary about it, listen or watch teaching about it, and/or meditate on it. Revelation will come. All of the Word was meant to be understood and acted on.

It isn’t just behavioural. It isn’t just so we know HOW to love God — because in every relationship there is a learning curve where we need to figure out how to love our partner. It is so much more than that. This is where today’s verse goes from the usual pattern of negative positivity and moves into something extraordinary. “My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace.” The Word is a living mystery. It can retrain and renew your mind (Romans 12:2). It lengthens life (Proverbs 10:27). It can satisfy us as we live longer lives (Psalm 91:16). Everyone around you will be aging, saying they’re old, whining about all that they can no longer do, and there you will be. Not hunched over. Not unable to play with grandchildren. Spry, full of beans, and as active in your life as you were when you were thirty. The Word transforms us (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Word gives us peace (John 14:27). And that one is the greatest gift.

The Word brings us peace that is not the peace the world has. We can throw out the definition of peace. The peace of the Lord is different. Higher. Better. Deeper. It cannot – in the natural – be understood. In the natural, there is a belief — especially among psychologists and other mind scientists — that you cannot change how you were born. That if you had ADHD, you’re stuck with it for example. That your only recourse is learning coping mechanisms. That is naturally true. Whether we are dealing with something like ADHD or autism or schizophrenia or eating disorders or any mental disorder. They will say it is naturally true about cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and many other physical illnesses. Again, in the natural this is true and there are many, many avenues of coping, treating, and bringing up the standard of living for those struggling with how they were born. But it isn’t the last word.

The Lord doesn’t operate in the natural. He meets us where we are. He meets us with what we’re willing to accept. That’s free will right there, baby. But the Word is supernatural. The Word is God and God is the Word (John 1:1) The Word is peaceful, not strife filled. That peace is beyond our ability to understand (Philippians 4:7). But it guards us. It guards our hearts. And it enables us to walk in the Lord’s nature regardless of mental disorder, physical illness, or any other condition of humanity. The Word is also the way in which we can be changed. We can be changed so that we no longer suffer from those things. We can be made whole. We can be made into who He created us to be. Who He planned for us to be. We have that promise in Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”

The Word can affect our flesh. The Word can grant us life. The Word can prolong our life. These are not points of wishful thinking. This is not meditative manifestation ideals. These are promises. Mark 11:22-23 says “Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening, he shall have whatever he says.” You have to believe it. Psalm 103:2-5 says “Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” You have to remember it. To keep it in your mind. To keep it in your heart. Not to forget it. To act on it. To live like it. It isn’t a sin not to, but we can walk in the extraordinary peace and blessing of the Lord if we do.

Peace is not about no conflict. It is about peace in spite of conflict. It is the absence of strife. It is a quality of life that is more than possession based. It is a whole picture spirit-soul-body. Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” Abundant life. An abundant life is a peaceful life. Asleep in the boat while the storm rages all around you. Knowing God has you. Knowing that victory — temporal and ultimate — is yours in Jesus the Anointed One. We can live in Him and He in us. We can cast aside anxiety, strife, worry, depression, anger, jealousy, foolishness, wickedness, immorality, burdens, rebellions, sicknesses, conditions, disorders, disputes, and every other negative thing. Life won’t be perfect. But we will be on the path of sanctification, peacefully becoming more and more like Jesus every day. It is a process. But every process has to start somewhere. Get the Word into your heart and start your process today. Don’t wait. Dwell on His Word and get you some peace that passes all understanding today.

Daily Affirmation of God’s Love: Isaiah 55:6-7

Seeking and finding. This was a theme dear to the heart of Jesus and still is (Proverbs 8:17, Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 19:10, Revelation 3:20). We need to seek Him because He is not hidden. God is always revealing things (Romans 1:18-20). Sometimes I think He only hid things so that we could find them. So why the need for seeking? Because the world and the powers that seek to rule it don’t want God found. If found, they want it watered down. They want you thinking that Jesus can be found in any religion or in any truth that has some light in it. But Jesus said He was the one and ONLY way to the Father. There are not many paths to God. There is one. Why do they say there are many paths to enlightenment then? Because enlightenment isn’t godly. It is a human action. A desire to have the absence of desire or suffering. An ‘if you work at it’ thing. That isn’t Jesus. Does He WANT us to suffer? No. But He said we would and He’d grant us peace to get through it (John 15:21). The enemy hides himself everywhere. Ever thought of yoga? We see it in the west as an exercise. Useful to the body. It may be that. But the poses are also forms of worship to Hindu deities. The very pose is an act of worship to an idol. You may not have the intent of worship, but you’re going through the forms of worship. This is not the seeking the Lord desires. He wants you healthy and limber and well. You can achieve this without worshipping — whether consciously or unconsciously — the idols of the enemy. Don’t argue, do some research. That’s the seeking the Lord wants. Look into things. Look into the Word and compare it to those things. Not looking to see what YOU want. Look to see what HE says. If you love Him, you will seek to obey Him. If you love Him, you will want to know about Him and what He says so that you can do it. To love Him the way He wants to be loved because… yup. Because you love Him. There are not multiple paths to the Lord. There is not truth in everything. We can get along without getting mixed up. Without mixing our beliefs to water them down and make them of no effect (Mark 7:13-23). Jesus walked, talked, and dined with sinners. He never once sinned. He discussed and fellowshipped with unrighteous people. He never compromised His righteousness. But the Lord is full of mercy. When we stray from seeking, He is there waiting to welcome us back. He takes us by the shoulders. He looks us directly in the eye. And he says, ‘I love you. I love you. I love you.’ And we get a hug. Yahweh God, Just Lord of Creation, will freely pardon. That is what Jesus is all about. That is what the Word is all about. That is what the Lord God Almighty is all about. Seek so you can find. Ask so He can give. He is knocking, open up and let Him in. Let Him reveal Himself and His love to you today.

Your Daily Confession of God’s love to YOU:

Today God loves that I _______.