Love and Peace

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:10-11) 
 
It always amazes me the way peace—powerful, unexplainable peace (Philippians 4:7)—can somehow fill our hearts even in our deepest grief. I experienced this most recently at my father’s memorial service. As a long line of sympathetic acquaintances passed by offering their condolences, I was relieved to see a good high school friend. Without a word, he simply wrapped me in a long bear hug. His quiet understanding flooded me with the first feelings of peace within grief that difficult day, a powerful reminder that I wasn’t as alone as I felt.  
 
As David describes in Psalm 16, the kind of peace and joy God brings into our lives isn’t caused by a choice to stoically stomp down the pain during hard times; it’s more like a gift we can’t help but experience when we take refuge in our good God (vv. 1–2). 
 
We could respond to the aching pain that death brings by distracting ourselves, perhaps thinking that turning to these other “gods” will keep the pain at bay. But sooner or later we’ll find that efforts to avoid our pain only bring deeper pain (v. 4). 
 
Or we could turn to God, trusting that even when we don’t understand, the life He’s already given us—even in its pain—is still beautiful and good (vv. 6–8). And we can surrender to His loving arms that tenderly carry us through our pain into a peace and joy that even death can never quench (v. 11). 
 
Father, thank You for the way Your tender touch embraces and holds us in our times of joy and pain. Help us to turn in trust to You for healing. Amen. 
 
When I initially read this devotion I hesitated to share it. I felt I didn’t want to dwell on death and sadness, I don’t even like talking about death, it causes me to think of the possibility of loosing those close to me and that pain seems unbearable but as I started to pass up this devotion The Lord touched my spirit and I felt Him encourage me to post it. I don’t know who this is meant for but I know it will not return void, maybe this devotion was meant for me, a sweet reminder that despite our pain, whatever that pain may be, God’s love carries and holds us through our pain into peace and joy. I prey you are encouraged by this devotion today. He is my refuge and strength. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 43:19