Daily Devotions
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Many people are asking, “How can I survive with all of the turmoil around me?” Life seems so hectic. Rapid change forces us to adjust when we can find no firm ground upon which to stand. Jobs change. Life-styles change. Values change. How can I survive? Pressures pound us and create migraine headaches. Conflicts arise both externally and internally. We feel dissatisfied with life and are troubled by inner guilt. How can I survive with all the turmoil around me?
Paul answers with the words of our text. Peace provides the answer to turmoil. God’s peace. Not a subjective feeling of peace, but an objective peace established between God and humanity. He explains the basis for this peace.
“We have been justified through faith.” The peace comes “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God’s Son came to earth to restore peace. We had rebelled against God. Satan joined forces with the world to lead us astray. We were helpless to bring peace. But Jesus Christ lived a perfect life for us and died on the cross to atone for our sins. God declares the world righteous because of Christ. Through faith, God’s gift, we receive God’s peace which lasts forever.
Right with God, at peace with Him through Jesus Christ, we now face a world in turmoil. His peace frees us to experience inner peace with ourselves and to establish peace with others. We will not always feel peaceful, but God’s peace remains. Looking to Him again and again in His Word and sacraments, we discover a growing peace.
PRAYER: Thank You, Dear Lord, for giving me Your peace. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photcopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)