It is a sweet and proper prayer you have lifted, pleading for healing and protection, for deliverance from evil, and for that peace which passeth all understanding. But know this: peace is not a thing that comes floating to you upon the mere utterance of words; it is the certain portion of the soul whose mind is stayed upon God. "You will keep him in perfect peace (peace, peace), whose mind is on You: because he trusts in You." The margin says "peace, peace", a double peace, a peace within and a peace without, a peace gleaming with heavenly light even in the midnight of this world of care. That blood of Jesus whispers peace within, a peace that is a present possession, to be enjoyed in the very throng of pressing duties and amid sorrows surging round.
You plead for deliverance from evil. Do not forget from what quarter deliverance comes. It was a sight terrible indeed to be under the power of darkness, but when we looked to Jesus upon the Cross and found life for a look, and when since then we have learned to find in His wounds our healing, and in His death our life, oh, then we have cause for unceasing thanks. Deliverance from the guilt and power of sin is as much the work of God as the parting of the Red Sea. He brought them forth; He makes deliverance effectual. And mark well, this deliverance comes where the Lamb is slain. God has found a ransom; He has invented a way. Therefore, sinner and saint alike, do not doubt deliverance, for God has said it.
You ask for healing. Then consider that the very leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of the nations. The least thing about Christ is healing. Do not look upon Christ as some remote fruit you must climb to reach; a simple leaf from His hand, a touch of the hem of His garment, a single promise laid home to the heart by the Spirit, is full of healing virtue. When Jesus healed the palsied man, He first said, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you." Pardon and healing were one! The Sun of Righteousness rises upon you with healing in His wings.
Therefore, do not go rambling round and round to find peace by any other method. Stay at home in the closet with your God; acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace. The arrow of doubt that whispers God’s ear is shut must be quenched upon the shield of faith. Trust in Him, and that very touch of personal faith brings peace to the soul. If you will not trust God, neither shall you have peace. But since you have looked to Him, even in this petition, let your soul be calm.
And what is your conduct to be after such deliverance and healing? It is this: "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." The Lord may chasten sorely, but He has not appointed you unto death in despair, but unto life in testimony. If He grants you this season of peace and healing, it is that you may be enthusiastic for what God has done, that your tongue might declare His righteousness. Persons who come to Christ suddenly and find peace immediately have much to be grateful for. Let them not hold their peace, lest the stones cry out. Go, with the psalmist, and not only declare, but offer adoration before His throne. Earth’s struggles shall soon cease, and Jesus will call you to Heaven’s perfect peace, but until then, let your life be the echo of His deliverance.