A Recipe for Peace

Do you turn to God when you don’t get what you expect or ask for in life? Do you wonder why you don’t get the answers you are seeking? Do you feel that God is not listening to your cries? That He is too big to pay attention to your “little” problems? In these situations I find solace in 1 Peter 5:5-10

“…all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you…”

1 Peter 5: 5b-7

Father, it is hard to put on the clothes of humility. Other people brag about their successes at work, in their families, and in their lifestyles. I compare myself to them. In my mind, I compete with them. Rather, I need to appreciate what You have provided. You will exalt me at the proper time. Your ways are higher than my ways; Your thoughts higher than my thoughts. I don’t need to fret over this, because “You’ve got this,” and I know You care for me.

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”

1 Peter 5:8-9

This is not a walk in the park. You warn me, the devil is prowling about like a lion, waiting to devour me. YIKES! You don’t want me to run in fear. You want me to resist. You encourage me by telling me that I am not the only one struggling against the devil. Other believers are also struggling. Sometimes I think that my struggle is worse than everyone else’s.

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

1 Peter 5:5b-10

After I have suffered for a little while? How long is a little while? Help me wait on You, Lord, until You, Yourself, perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish me. I long for your personal attention. You love me intimately. Your perfection, Your confirmation, Your Strength are worth waiting for. Thank you for these promises. Amen.

[verse selection and responsive prayer by Gail Peo]