There's a popular old hymn I suspect you've heard called, "Peace in the Valley." The song looks forward to the day when "There will be peace in the valley some day." It looks for the time when "There'll be no sadness, no sorrow, no trouble I see. There will be peace in the valley for me." All good thoughts, but ... is it true?
The song looks to the end, when we are with Jesus. We know there will be a new heaven and a new earth, where God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Rev 21:4). Clearly this is what author Thomas Dorsey was addressing when he wrote the song for Mahalia Jackson. So, sure, in that sense there will be peace in the valley some day. But I want to tell you a secret. We don't have to wait for "some day." Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27). Paul told the Philippians, "Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:6-7). Present tense. Right now. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). We can have peace now. This peace does not require "no sadness, no sorrow, no trouble." It's available in the midst of all that.
Yes, indeed, there will be a time when all genuine believers will experience no sadness, no trouble, no more tears. And it's good to keep that in mind. After all, it was God who told us it was coming. But, while you keep an eye on that future perfection, don't miss the present promise. Jesus gave us His peace. It is a peace that surpasses common understanding. And it guards your heart and minds in Christ. Present tense.
3 comments:
One of those problems with the English language. What kind of "peace" is in view in the hymn? Clearly, in one sense, we won't ever experience peace in this life, but in another we can have peace now. My guess would be we need more words to use in place of those.
“Present tense. Right now.” As in right this minute and every minute when I need it--not just some far-off time in the future. I received peace with God instantly upon being born again and can realize that in the here and now. Christianity is true and practical--not “pie in the sky”--and the Lord is so good to grant His blessings in an instant. Praise God for this reality!
P.S. This is why I read here every day: this post, which was probably relatively easy for you to write, shared such a practical and joyous truth and really blessed me today. Thank you, Stan.
I agree with David that it is an instance where peace can mean two different, but similar things. In both cases though peace is a direct result of YHWH fulfilling His promises to His people.
Yes, we absolutely can have peace right now, but that is merely a preview of coming attractions it seems.
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