Today’s devotion comes from Philippians 4:4-7.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7.
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There are abundant Scriptures that encourage us to let our requests be made known to God and that God will give to us good things. See, for examples, Matthew 7:7-11, John 16:23-24, Psalm 84:11-12, and Romans 8:32.
But, the focus of today’s Scripture and today’s devotion is the peace of God that we receive.
There are many who seem to have it all, all the things that we desire.
“2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling,
My steps had almost slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pains in their death,
And their body is fat.” Psalm 73:2-4.
“17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment!
They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!” Psalm 73:17-19.
Even before they die, the wicked are plagued with troubles and worries.
“The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.” Proverbs 4:19.
“The desire of the righteous is only good,
But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.” Proverbs 11:23.
“No harm befalls the righteous,
But the wicked are filled with trouble.” Proverbs 12:21.
“The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1.
“20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
For it cannot be quiet,
And its waters toss up refuse and mud.
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20-21.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” Romans 1:18.
“2 … Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.” Psalm 97:2-3.
“6 “Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
7 “And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.” Exodus 15:6-7.
But, God’s elect a/k/a the righteous are filled with peace.
“The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Romans 5:8.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, …” Galatians 5:22.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.
“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Romans 15:17-19.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Verse 7.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 