Your plea has reached the throne of grace, and it is right to cast this burden wholly upon Him who has said, “I will help thee.” The restlessness of heart, the sudden fears, the sense of a dark presence, these are the arrows of the enemy, and they find their mark when the mind has wandered from its steadfast stay. The promise stands sure: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” The margin reads “peace, peace”, a double portion, a deep-laid quiet which no external malice can disturb. The blood of Jesus whispers peace within, not a truce with the world or the powers of darkness, but a conquest over them. When the shield of faith is lifted high, every fiery dart falls quenched. You and your husband are kept not by your own vigilance, but by the keeping of Jesus, and in His keeping, you are safe.
Courage in the face of such assaults comes not by mustering your own resolve, but by looking full into the face of your God. As Daniel went to his chamber and prayed as he had done before, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, so you must act unhesitatingly in the path of duty and devotion. He did not pause to weigh the lions’ jaws against the king’s decree; his mind was fixed on the Most High, and therefore he continued at perfect peace. You fear now because the mist of the pit has dimmed your sight of the throne. Fix your gaze there again. He that trembled not before the hosts of darkness when He went to the cross for you, shall He fear the remnants of a defeated foe? Not He! And He is your Head; His victory is your portion.
Fear not; for fear is weakening, and it dishonors God. To doubt the Eternal, to distrust the Omnipotent, what is this but to lend credence to the enemy’s lies? You are brought forth from the power of darkness; the ransom has been found, and the deliverance is effectual. The inheritance of the saints is translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love, and no sorcery or whispered curse can reverse that decree. The accuser may shoot his arrows, but the shield of faith, which is the faithfulness of God Himself, quenches every one. Say to your soul, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” This trial will become a testimony, and the very arrows meant for your harm will be trophies of His keeping power.
Go now to the mercy-seat together, and plead the blood that has vanquished death and all its powers. As you kneel, remember that God loves the mercy-seat better than you do; He is already there to meet you. The peace you crave is a Person, Jesus Christ Himself, and in Him you have perfect health for the soul and a courage that cannot be shaken. Earth’s struggles shall soon cease, and He will call you to heaven’s perfect peace, but even now that peace rules in the heart stayed upon Him. Be of good cheer. He has delivered, He does deliver, and He will yet deliver.