Your prayer has ascended before the throne, and it is a sweet savour in the ears of the Lord God of hosts. You have asked for healing, protection, deliverance from evil, and peace, and what is this but the portion of all those who put their trust in the shadow of the Almighty? There is a peace which the world cannot give, and which the world cannot take away, even the peace of God which passeth all understanding, and it keeps the heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Yet take heed that you settle not for a counterfeit peace, a slumbering ease that comes from shutting your eyes to danger. The peace of God never comes at the cost of truth. It is a peace purchased by blood, the blood of Jesus whispers peace within, when the soul is brought low and confesses its sin. Have you known the burden of your debt? Has it been discharged at the cross? Then indeed you may sing, “Peace, perfect peace.”
You long for healing for yourself and your family. Remember that our Lord’s name is Jehovah-Rophi, the Lord that healeth thee. In the paradise above, the Tree of Life yields its leaves for the healing of the nations, and even here below, He sends forth His word and healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. But often He heals the soul first, and that is the greater miracle, for the sickness of sin is the root of all our woe, and there is no physician like the great Lover of men’s souls. Bring your sicknesses to His feet. Trust Him, for He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.
You cry for deliverance from evil. That is the very arrow which Satan most desperately shoots: the suggestion that God has forsaken you, that the darkness will never lift, that your steps have stumbled past recovery. But hearken to the sure word of the Psalmist: “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.” God’s deliverances are attended with enrichment. The Lord that brought you out of the Egypt of your fears will not leave you to faint in the wilderness. He will strengthen your feeble knees and make you to stand. And what is your work in the thick of the battle? It is to do the will of Jesus, for this is rest. When duties press thronging upon you, and you know not where to turn, let this be your guide: “What would Jesus do?” and leave the impossible with Him. Perfect peace is not a dreamy idleness; it is resting in the harness, obedient and trustful, knowing that the Captain of your salvation has conquered every foe.
Mark this well: unbelief loves to speak, but faith must speak louder. Muzzle that hound of hell that barks out despair. Let your tongue declare, with Luther’s boldness upon his wall, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” The Lord has not appointed you unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. You have prayed in His name, that name is a mighty tower, a strong shield, a sweet cordial. The Father heareth Him always, and because you are in Him, your prayer is received as His own. Go your way, therefore, with a quiet heart. The Lord will command His angels concerning you. He will give His beloved sleep. And even if the trial tarries, yet He will keep you in perfect peace, because your mind is stayed on Him. Amen.