| The Every Day of Life |
Chapter 9 |
Page 7 |
We are told that the peace of God shall guard our hearts and thoughts. It is a military figure that is suggested. Back when, men slept in quiet confidence, in their tents, with enemies all about, because waking sentinels kept watch through all the night. Our hearts were quiet and confident in any danger because God watches. “The Lord is thy keeper.” “He that keepeth thee shall not slumber.” It is not a mere philosophy of self-control that is taught us. There is a keeping not our own. “The peace of God shall keep your heart and thoughts.” It is possible; therefore, for us so to commit all our life’s sorrows, cares, and alarm to Christ, that the divine love shall wrap us around like a blessed atmosphere, quieting all fear and filling us with holy peace. One asks a question and then answers it:–
“How shall I quiet my heart? How shall I keep it still?
How shall I hush its tremulous start at tidings of good or ill?
How shall I gather and hold contentment and peace and rest,
Wrapping their sweetness, fold on fold, over my troubled breast?
The Spirit of God is still, and gentle and mild and sweet;
What time his omnipotent, glorious will guideth the worlds at his feet,
Controlling all lesser things, this turbulent heart of mine
He keepeth us under his folded wings in a peace serene–divine.”
Is not the lesson worth learning at any cost? It can be learned; it has been learned. Its one secret is perfect submission to the will of God. Every resistance or disobedience causes unrest and sorrow; but quiet acceptance, with loving confidence and joyous song, will bring the peace of God into the soul.
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